Microbial succinic acid producers and purification of succinic acid

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to bacterial strains, capable of utilizing glycerol as a carbon source for the fermentative production of succinic acid, wherein said strains are genetically modified so that they comprise a deregulation of their endogenous pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity, as well as to methods of producing organic acids, in particular succinic acid, by making use of such microorganism. The present invention also relates to the downstream processing of the produced organic acids by cation exchange chromatography.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/201,547 which is a national stage application (under 35 U.S.C. §371) of PCT/EP2010/051798, filed Feb. 12, 2010, which claims benefit of European application 09152959.4, filed Feb. 16, 2009; European application 09171250.5, filed Sep. 24, 2009; and U.S. Provisional Application 61/245,306, filed Sep. 24, 2009.

SUBMISSION OF SEQUENCE LISTING

The Sequence Listing associated with this application is filed in electronic format via EFS-Web and hereby incorporated by reference into the specification in its entirety. The name of the text file containing the Sequence Listing is Sequence_Listing_PF61823_(—)02. The size of the text file is 30 KB, and the text file was created on Jan. 7, 2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bacterial strain, capable of utilizing glycerol as a carbon source for the fermentative production of succinic acid, wherein said strains are genetically modified so that they comprise a deregulation of their endogenous pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity as well as to methods of producing organic acids, in particular succinic acid by making use of such microorganism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The fermentative production of succinic acid (SA) from biomass has already drawn much attention because said acid represents an important constituent of synthetic resins or is a source of further valuable low-molecular chemical compounds, in particular tetrahydrofuran (THF), 1,4-butanediol (BDO), gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and pyrrolidones (WO-A-2006/066839).

A SA-producing bacterium isolated from bovine rumen was described by Lee et al (2002a). The bacterium is a non-motile, non-spore-forming, mesophilic and capnophilic gram-negative rod or coccobacillus. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA sequence and physiological analysis indicated that the strain belongs to genus Mannheimia as a novel species, and has been named Mannheimia succiniciproducens MBEL55E. Under 100% CO₂ conditions, it grows well in the pH range of 6.0-7.5 and produces SA, acetic acid and formic acid at a constant ratio of 2:1:1. When M. succiniciproducens MBEL55E was cultured anaerobically under CO₂-saturation with glucose as carbon source, 19.8 g/L of glucose were consumed and 13.3 g/L of SA were produced in 7.5 h of incubation. Furthermore in this microorganism the production of SA was improved by mutation/deletion of metabolic genes. The combined mutation/deletion of the genes lactate dehydrogenase ldhA, pyruvate-formate-lyase pflb, phosphotransacetylase pta, and acetate kinase ackA genes resulted in a strain converting carbon to SA with a yield (YP/S) of 0.6 g SA per g of carbon source added. The space-time yield for the production of SA was found to be 1.8 g/liter/h. (Lee 2006)

Lin et al 2005 describe a mutant strain of E. coli carrying mutations in the ldh as well as in the pfl genes, described as SB202. However this strain was characterized by slow growth and the inability to ferment a saccharide to completion under anaerobic conditions. Inactive ldh and pfl did cause the carbon flux to bottle up at the pyruvate node, causing pyruvate to accumulate as the major product. In this respect the carbon yield (YP/S) of succinate on the carbon source was found to be lower than 0.15 g/g SA/Carbon.

Sanchez et al. 2005 describe E. coli strains carrying mutations in the ldh, the adhE, ack-pta and icIR genes. In these experiments cells were grown aerobically on complex medium, harvested, concentrated and incubated with carbon sources under anaerobic conditions. Under these specific conditions for the direct conversion of a carbohydrate to SA, carbon yields YP/S of 0.98 to 1.13 g SA per g carbon source were found, with a space-time yield of 0.79 g/l h SA. The carbon utilization for the biomass generation prior to the anaerobic conversion phase has been explicitly not included in this calculation and is not further described.

Hong and Lee (2001) describe E. coli strains carrying mutations in the ldh and pfl genes. These strains do produce SA from the fermentation of carbohydrate, however, with slow carbohydrate utilization and low space-time and carbon yields (YP/S) of SA from the carbohydrate carbon source glucose. In addition succinic, acetic and lactic acid were produced in a ratio of 1:0,034:1.6. In this analysis the growth of the strain carrying mutations in the ldh and pfl genes was retarded if compared to the unmutated parental strain.

Zhu et al. 2005 describe a E. coli strain, mutated in the pfl gene which did not produce succinic acid but lactate and showed poor growth when grown on glucose as the sole substrate.

A significant drawback of the organism Mannheirnia succiniciproducens is, however, its inability to metabolize glycerol, which, as a constituent of triacyl glycerols (TAGs), becomes readily available e.g. as by-product in the transesterification reaction of Biodiesel production (Dharmadi et al., 2006).

The fermentative production of SA from glycerol has been described in the scientific literature (Lee et al., 2001: Dharmadi et al., 2006) and with glycerol higher yields [mass of SA produced/mass of raw material consumed] than with common sugars like glucose were achieved (Lee et al., 2001). However, the space-time yield obtained with glycerol was substantially lower than with glucose (0.14 vs. 1.0 g SA/[L h]).

Only in a few cases anaerobic metabolization of glycerol to fermentation products have been described. E. coli is able to ferment glycerol under very specific conditions such as acidic pH, avoiding accumulation of the fermentation gas hydrogen, and appropriate medium composition (Dharmadi et al 2006, Yazdani and Gonzalez 2007). Many microorganisms are able to metabolize glycerol in the presence of external electron acceptors (respiratory metabolism), few are able to do so fermentatively (i.e. in the absence of electron acceptors). The fermentative metabolism of glycerol has been studied in great detail in several species of the Enterobacteriaceae family, such as Citrobacter freundii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Dissimilation of glycerol in these organisms is strictly linked to their capacity to synthesize the highly reduced product 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) (Dharmadi et al 2006). The conversion of glycerol into SA using Anaerobiospirillum succiniciproducens has been reported (Lee et al. 2001). This study demonstrated that SA could be produced with little formation of by-product acetic acid by using glycerol as a carbon source, thus facilitating purification of SA. The highest yield was obtained by intermittently feeding glycerol and yeast extract, a strategy that resulted in the production of about 19 g/L of SA. It was noted, however, that unidentified nutritional components present in yeast extract were needed for glycerol fermentation to take place. Saccharides, however, theoretically can be converted to SA with a significantly lower yield than glycerol due to the lower reduction state of saccharides compared to the polyol glycerol. The combination of saccharides with glycerol have been found to function in an SA producing anaerobic organisms (Lee et al. 2001), however without reaching SA titers beyond 29 g/l. In addition the carbon yield YP/S of was found to be only 92% and the SA/AA relation was found to be 4.9:1. Only 4 g/l glycerol were converted to succinic acid at most.

Carboxylation reactions of oxaloacetate catalyzed by the enzymes phopshoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), phopshoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and pyruvate carboxylase (PycA) are utilizing HCO₃— as a source of CO₂ (Peters-Wendisch, P G et al 1996, 1998). Therefore hydrogencarbonate sources such as NaHCO₃, KHCO₃, NH₄HCO₃ and so on can be applied to fermentation and cultivation media to improve the availibility of HCO₃— in the metabolization of substrates to SA. The production of SA from glucose has not been found to be dependent on the addition of HCO₃— in the prior art so far.

Biomass production by anaerobic organisms is limited by the amount of ATP produced from fermentative pathways. Biomass yield of glycerol in anaerobic organisms is lower than of saccharides, like hexoses such as glucose, fructose, pentoses such as xylose arabinose or disaccharides such as sucrose or maltose (Lee et al. 2001, Dharmadi 2007).

Earlier patent application PCT/EP2008/006714, the content of which is herewith incorporated by reference, discloses a bacterial strain, being a member of the family of Pasteurellaceae, originally isolated from rumen, and capable of utilizing glycerol as a carbon source and variant and mutant strains derived there from retaining said capability, in particular, a bacterial strain designated DD1 as deposited with DSMZ (Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH, Inhoffenstr. 7B, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany) having the deposit number DSM 18541 (ID 06-614) and having the ability to produce succinic acid and variant or mutant strains derived there from retaining at least said ability to produce succinic acid. The DD1 strain belongs to the species Basfia succiniciproducens and the family of Pasteurellaceae as classified by Kuhnert et al., 2010.

There is, therefore, a need for novel bacterial strains, which have the ability to produce organic acids, in particular SA, from glycerol. In particular, such strains should produce said acids with high productivity from glycerol, especially if crude glycerol e.g. from bio diesel production can be used without prior purification. It is an object of the present invention to provide such novel strains and production processes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors, who had isolated a bacterial strain, designated DD1, surprisingly solved said object by mutating said strain, so that the activity of the PFL protein was decreased so that said strain has the desired metabolic characteristic. Thus, they provided a new type of bacterial stain, capable of utilizing glycerol as a carbon source for the fermentative production of succinic acid, wherein said strain is genetically modified so that it comprises a deregulation of its endogenous PFL enzyme activity.

The present inventors surprisingly found that such a mutated bacterial strain, having the desired metabolic characteristic, showed largely improved technical behavior in the fermentation of SA.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic map of plasmid pSacB (SEQ ID NO:3).

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic map of plasmid pSacB (delta pfl) (SEQ ID NO:4).

FIG. 3 depicts a schematic map of plasmid pSacB (delta ldh) (SEQ ID NO:5).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

a) General Definition of Particular Terms

The term “bacterial cell” as used herein refers to a prokaryotic organism, i.e. a bacterium. Bacteria can be classified based on their biochemical and microbiological properties as well as their morphology. These classification criteria are well known in the art.

The term “acid” (in the context of organic mono or dicarboxylic acids as referred to herein, i.p. acetic, lactic and SA) has to be understood in its broadest sense and also encompasses salts thereof, as for example alkali metal salts, like Na and K salts, or earth alkali salts, like Mg and Ca salts, or ammonium salts; or anhydrides of said acids.

“Identity” or “homology” between two nucleotide sequences means identity of the residues over the complete length of the aligned sequences, such as, for example, the identity calculated (for rather similar sequences) with the aid of the program needle from the bioinformatics software package EMBOSS(Version 5.0.0, webpage at emboss.sourceforge.net/what/) with the default parameters which are:

-   -   gapopen (penalty to open a gap): 10.0     -   gapextend (penalty to extend a gap): 0.5     -   datafile (scoring matrix file included in package): EDNAFUL

The term “bacterial strain containing a mutated gene coding for a pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme with decreased activity” encompasses a modified bacterial cell which has a decreased activity or even no detectable PFL activity. Methods for the detection and determination of PFL activity can be found in Knappe et al. 1990 and Knappe 1993 and references therein. Moreover, the term encompasses a bacterial cell, which has a significantly reduced PFL activity when compared to a bacterial cell exhibiting physiological pyruvate-formate-lyase activity levels. Whether a reduction is significant can be determined by statistical methods well known to those skilled in the art. Bacterial cells being deficient in PFL activity may occur naturally, i.e. due to spontaneous mutations. A bacterial cell can be modified to lack or to have significantly reduced PFL activity by various techniques. Preferably, such bacterial cells are obtainable by chemical treatment or radiation. To this end, bacterial cells will be treated by, e.g., a mutagenic chemical agent, X-rays, or UV light. In a subsequent step, those bacterial cells which lack PFL or which at least have a reduced PFL activity will be selected. Bacterial cells are also obtainable by homologous recombination techniques, which aim to mutate, disrupt or excise the PFL in the genome of the bacterial cell or introduce mutations which will lead to a mutated gene coding for a protein with decreased activity. A preferred technique for recombination, in particular for introducing mutations or for deleting sequences, is described below.

The above definition also applies to other genes coding for another enzyme mentioned herein, to be modulated, in particular, whose activity is to be deceased, diminished or switched-off.

The term “decreased activity” includes for example the expression of a gene product (e.g. pyruvate-formate-lyase (pfl), lactate dehydrogenase (ldh) or others) by said genetically manipulated (e.g., genetically engineered) microorganism at a lower level than that expressed prior to manipulation of the microorganism. Genetic manipulation can include, but is not limited to, altering or modifying regulatory sequences or sites associated with expression of a particular gene (e.g., by removing strong promoters, inducible promoters or multiple promoters), modifying the chromosomal location of a particular gene, altering nucleic acid sequences adjacent to a particular gene such as a sequence in the promoter region including regulatory sequences important for the promoter activity a ribosome binding site or transcription terminator, decreasing the copy number of a particular gene, modifying proteins (e.g., regulatory proteins, suppressors, enhancers, transcriptional activators and the like) involved in transcription of a particular gene and/or translation of a particular gene product, or any other conventional means of decreasing expression of a particular gene routine in the art (including but not limited to use of antisense nucleic acid molecules, or other methods to knock-out or block expression of the target protein).

In particular the gene can be manipulated that one or more nucleotides are being deleted from the chromosome of the host organism. The decreased activity of the gene product e.g. of a pyruvate-formate-lyase molecule, can also be obtained by introducing one or more gene mutations which lead to a decreased activity of the gene product. The decreased activity can be a reduction of the enzymatic activity by ≧50% of the non-mutated or unaltered enzyme activity, or reduction of the enzymatic activity by ≧90%, or more preferably a reduction of the enzymatic activity by ≧95%, or more preferably a reduction of the enzymatic activity by ≧98%, or even more preferably a reduction of the enzymatic activity by ≧99% or even more preferably a reduction of the enzymatic activity by ≧99.9%.

The term “recombinant” microorganism includes a microorganism (e.g., bacteria, yeast cell, fungal cell, etc.) which has been genetically altered, modified or engineered (e.g., genetically engineered) such that it exhibits an altered, modified or different genotype and/or phenotype (e.g., when the genetic modification affects coding nucleic acid sequences of the microorganism) as compared to the naturally-occurring microorganism from which it was derived. The term “promoter” refers to a DNA sequence, which directs the transcription of a structural gene to produce mRNA. Typically, a promoter is located in the 5′ region of a gene, proximal to the start codon of a structural gene. If a promoter is an inducible promoter, then the rate of transcription increases in response to an inducing agent. In contrast, the rate of transcription is not regulated by an inducing agent, if the promoter is a constitutive promoter.

The term “enhancer” refers to a promoter element. An enhancer can increase the efficiency with which a particular gene is transcribed into mRNA irrespective of the distance or orientation of the enhancer relative to the start site of transcription.

The term “cloning vector” refers to a DNA molecule, such as a plasmid, cosmid, phagemid, or bacteriophage, which has the capability of replicating autonomously in a host cell and which is used to transform cells for gene manipulation. Cloning vectors typically contain one or a small number of restriction endonuclease recognition sites at which foreign DNA sequences may be inserted in a determinable fashion without loss of an essential biological function of the vector, as well as a marker gene, which is suitable for use in the identification and selection of cells transformed with the cloning vector. Marker genes typically include genes that provide tetracycline resistance or ampicillin resistance.

The term “vector” refers to a DNA molecule comprising a cloned structural gene encoding a foreign protein, which provides a gene in a recombinant host. Typically in the case of a vector destined for integration into the host genome, the cloned gene is placed or operably linked to certain upstream and downstream sequences homologous or identical t the host genetic sequence

The term “recombinant host” refers to a host that may be any prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell, which contains either a cloning vector or expression vector. This term is also meant to include those prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells that have been genetically engineered to contain the cloned gene(s) in the chromosome or genome of the host cell. For examples of suitable hosts, see Sambrook et al., 1989

The terms “express,” “expressing,” “expressed” and “expression” refer to expression of a gene product (e.g., a biosynthetic enzyme of a gene of a pathway or reaction defined and described in this application) at a level that the resulting enzyme activity of this protein encoded for or the pathway or reaction that it refers to allows metabolic flux through this pathway or reaction in the organism in which this gene/pathway is expressed in. The expression can be done by genetic alteration of the microorganism that is used as a starting organism. In some embodiments, a microorganism can be genetically In some embodiments, a microorganism can be genetically altered (e.g., genetically engineered) to express a gene product at an increased level relative to that produced by the starting microorganism or in a comparable microorganism which has not been altered. Genetic alteration includes, but is not limited to, altering or modifying regulatory sequences or sites associated with expression of a particular gene (e.g. by adding strong promoters, inducible promoters or multiple promoters or by removing regulatory sequences such that expression is constitutive), modifying the chromosomal location of a particular gene, altering nucleic acid sequences adjacent to a particular gene such as a ribosome binding site or transcription terminator, increasing the copy number of a particular gene, modifying proteins (e.g., regulatory proteins, suppressors, enhancers, transcriptional activators and the like) involved in transcription of a particular gene and/or translation of a particular gene product, or any other conventional means of deregulating expression of a particular gene using routine in the art (including but not limited to use of antisense nucleic acid molecules, for example, to block expression of repressor proteins).

A microorganism can be physically or environmentally “altered” or “modified” to express a gene product at an increased or lower level relative to level of expression of the gene product by the starting microorganism. For example, a microorganism can be treated with or cultured in the presence of an agent (chemical or genetic) known or suspected to increase or decrease the transcription and/or translation of a particular gene and/or translation of a particular gene product such that transcription and/or translation are increased or decreased. Alternatively, a microorganism can be cultured at a temperature selected to increase or decrease transcription and/or translation of a particular gene and/or translation of a particular gene product such that transcription and/or translation are increased or decreased. “Genetically modified” refers to a microorganism altered in the above sense by means of genetic engineering techniques available in the art, as for example transformation, mutation, homologous recombination.

The terms “deregulate”, “deregulated” and “deregulation” refer to alteration or modification of at least one gene in a microorganism, wherein the alteration or modification results in increasing efficiency of SA in the microorganism relative to SA production in absence of the alteration or modification. In some embodiments, a gene that is altered or modified encodes an enzyme in a biosynthetic pathway or a transport protein, such that the level or activity of the biosynthetic enzyme in the microorganism is altered or modified or that the transport specificity or efficiency is altered or modified. In some embodiments, at least one gene that encodes an enzyme in a biosynthetic pathway is altered or modified such that the level or activity of the enzyme is enhanced or increased relative to the level in presence of the unaltered or wild type gene. Deregulation also includes altering the coding region of one or more genes to yield, for example, an enzyme that is feedback resistant or has a higher or lower specific activity. Also, deregulation further encompasses genetic alteration of genes encoding transcriptional factors (e.g., activators, repressors), which regulate expression of genes coding for enzymes or transport proteins. More specifically, deregulation may result in “decreased” enzyme activity, (wherein the resulting enzyme activity is less than 100% of enzyme activity as observed in the non-deregulated state is “switched-off”, i.e. reversibly or irreversibly, no longer present or at least no longer detectable by a conventional analytical took a, like an enzyme activity assay.

The term “capable of utilizing” refers to the ability of a microorganism of the invention to convert a substrate, as for example glycerol into at least one structurally and/or sterically different chemical product.

An“enzyme activity involved in or associated with the fermentative conversion of glycerol to succinate” means any catalytic or regulatory activity of an enzyme which influences the conversion of glycerol into succinate and or by-products, as may be determined by anyone of the set of parameters as defined herein below.

The different yield parameters as described herein (“Yield” or YP/S; “Specific Productivity Yield”; or Space-Time-Yield (STY)) are well known in the art and are determined as described for example by Song and Lee, 2006.

“Yield” and “YP/S” (each expressed in mass of product produced/mass of material consumed) are herein used as synonyms.

The specific productivity-yield describes the amount of a product, like SA, that is produced per h and L fermentation broth per g of dry biomass. The amount of dry cell weight stated as DCW describes the quantity of biologically active microorganism in a biochemical reaction. The value is given as g product per g DCW per h (i.e. g/gDCW⁻¹ h⁻¹).

The term “fermentative production” or “fermentation” refers to the ability of a microorganism (assisted by enzyme activity contained in or generated by said microorganism) to produce a chemical compound in cell culture utilizing at least one carbon source added to the incubation.

The term “fermentation broth” is understood to mean an aqueous solution which is based on a fermentative process and has not been worked up or has been worked up, for example, as described herein.

b) General Definition for Different Microorganisms

The “bacterial cell” or “bacterial strain” referred to in accordance with the present invention is selected from the family of Enterobacteriaceae, Pasteurellaceae, Bacilli or Actinobacteria.

“Enterobacteriaceae” represent a large family of bacteria, including many of the more familiar bacteria, such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli. They belong to the Proteobacteria, and they are given their own order (Enterobacteriales). Members of the Enterobacteriaceae are rod-shaped. Like other Proteobacteria they have Gram-negative stains, and they are facultative anaerobes, fermenting sugars to produce lactic acid and various other end products such as succinic acid. Most also reduce nitrate to nitrite. Unlike most similar bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae generally lack cytochrome C oxidase. Most have many flagella used to move about, but a few genera are non-motile. They are non-spore forming, and mostly they are catalase-positive. Many members of this family are a normal part of the gut flora found in the intestines of humans and other animals, while others are found in water or soil, or are parasites on a variety of different animals and plants. Escherichia coli, better known as E. coli, is one of the most important model organisms, and its genetics and biochemistry have been closely studied. Most members of Enterobacteriaceae have peritrichous Type I fimbriae involved in the adhesion of the bacterial cells to their hosts. Examples for the enterobacteriaceae are E. coli, Proteus, Salmonella, Klebsiella,

“Pasteurellaceae” comprise a large and diverse family of Gram-negative Proteobacteria with members ranging from bacteria such as Haemophilus influenzae to commensals of the animal and human mucosa. Most members live as commensals on mucosal surfaces of birds and mammals, especially in the upper respiratory tract. Pasteurellaceae are typically rod-shaped, and are a notable group of facultative anaerobes. They can be distinguished from the related Enterobacteriaceae by the presence of oxidase, and from most other similar bacteria by the absence of flagella. Bacteria in the family Pasteurellaceae have been classified into a number of genera based on metabolic properties and there sequences of the 16S and 23SRNA. A more precise definition of Pasteurellacea can be found in Dousse et al. 2008 and Kuhnert, P. 2008 references therein. Many of the Pasteurellaceae contain pyruvate-formate-lyase genes and are capable of anaerobically fermenting carbon sources to organic acids.

The term “Bacilli” refers to a taxonomic class of bacteria. It includes two orders, Bacillales and Lactobacillales, The bacillus species represents a large (˜4-8×1.5 im) cylindrical bacteria that can grow under aerobic conditions at 37° C. They are typically nonpathogenic; The genus Bacillales cotains the species Alicyclobacillaceae, Bacillaceae, Caryophanaceae, Listeriaceae, Paenibacillaceae, Planococcaceae, Sporolactobacillaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Thermoactinomycetaceae, Turicibacteraceae. Many of the Bacilli contain pyruvate-formate-lyase genes and are capable of anaerobically fermenting carbon sources to organic acids.

The term “Actinobacteria” or “Actinomycetes” refers to a group of Gram-positive bacteria with high G+C ratio. They include some of the most common soil life, playing an important role in decomposition of organic materials. Other Actinobacteria inhabit plants and animals, examples are as Mycobacterium, Corynebacterium, Nocardia, Rhodococcus and Streptomyces. Some Actinobacteria form branching filaments, which somewhat resemble the mycelia of the unrelated fungi, among which they were originally classified under the older name Actinomycetes. Most members are aerobic, but a few can grow under anaerobic conditions. Unlike the Firmicutes, the other main group of Gram-positive bacteria, they have DNA with a high GC-content.

Preferred bacterial strains are of the genus of “Pasteurella”. The bacteria of the genus Pasteurella are gram-negative and facultative anaerobic. Pasteurella species are non-motile, pleimorphic and most often catalase- and oxidase-positive (Kuhnert and Christensen, 2008, ISBN 978-1-904455-34-9). Preferably, the bacterial cell is a Pasteurella bacterial cell and, more preferably, a Pasteurella strain DD1 cell.

Most preferably, the Pasteurella strain DD1 is the bacterial strain deposited under the Budapest Treaty with DSMZ (Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen, GmbH), Germany, having the deposit number DSM 18541. This strain has been originally isolated from the rumen of a cow of german origin.

Pasteurella bacteria can be isolated from the gastro-intestinal tract of animals and, preferably, mammals. The bacterial strain DD1, in particular, can be isolated from bovine rumen and is capable of utilizing glycerol (including crude glycerol) as a carbon source. Preferably, the said strain has the ability to produce SA from glycerol (including crude glycerol), in particular, under anaerobic conditions. Moreover, the Pasteurella strain DD1 exhibits at least one of the following additional metabolic characteristics:

-   a) production of SA from sucrose; in particular, under anaerobic     conditions; -   b) production of succinic acid from maltose; in particular, under     anaerobic conditions; -   c) production of SA from D-fructose; in particular, under anaerobic     conditions; -   d) production of SA from D-galactose; in particular, under anaerobic     conditions; -   e) production of SA from D-mannose; in particular, under anaerobic     conditions; -   f) production of SA from D-glucose; in particular, under anaerobic     conditions; -   g) production of SA from D-xylose; in particular, under anaerobic     conditions; -   h) production of SA from L-arabinose; in particular, under anaerobic     conditions; -   i) no utilization of xylitol, inositol and sorbitol; -   j) growth both under aerobic and anaerobic conditions; -   k) growth at initial glucose concentrations of 75 g/L or more; -   l) ammonia tolerance.

In particular, said strain shows at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or all of said metabolic characteristics.

Strain DD1 was, analyzed for the capability to co-metabolize a saccharide and the polyol glycerol (PCT/EP2008/006714). It was found that DD1 is capable to co-metabolize maltose a d glycerol resulting in biomass formation, SA formation and simultaneous maltose and glycerol utilization.

c) Preferred Embodiments

A first embodiment of the invention relates to bacterial strain, capable of utilizing glycerol as a carbon source for the fermentative production of SA wherein said strain is genetically modified so that it comprises a deregulation of its endogenous pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity. In particular, said pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity is decreased or switched-off.

Said mutated bacterium, containing a pyruvate-formate-lyase with a decreased activity, may be constructed by genetic means as well as by inducing mutations applying methods for mutation well known in the prior art literature (examples and descriptions for the modification of bacterial genomes can be found in Saier, Milton H Jr 2008, Foster, Patricia L, 2007, Witkin, E M 1969, Eisenstark, A 1971, Walker, G C et al. 1983 and 1984, Botstein, D, and Shortle, D 1985 and references within, is capable of utilizing mixtures of different carbon sources such as saccharides and glycerol; or utilizing only glycerol. Methods to isolate strains with mutations in the pfl gene can be found in Varenne S et al. 1975, and in Pascal, M et al. 1981.

Preferably said strain has the ability to produce SA from different carbon sources (including glycerol), in particular, under anaerobic conditions.

In another embodiment of said strain, at of least one further enzyme activity involved in or associated with the fermentative conversion of glycerol to succinate is deregulated.

In particular, said strain is derived from a microorganism selected from a microorganism of the family of Enterobacteriaceae, Pasteurellaceae, Bacilli or Actinobacteria.

In particular, said strain is derived from a microorganism of the family of Pasteurellaceae, having a 16S rDNA of SEQ ID NO: 1; or a sequence, which shows a sequence homology of at least 96, 97, 98, 99 or 99.9%; and/or having a 23S rDNA of SEQ ID NO: 2; or a sequence, which shows a sequence homology of at least 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 99.9%. In one embodiment of the present invention the bacterial strain is derived from a microorganism of the family of Pasteurellaceae and belongs to the species Basfia succiniciproducens. The species Basfia succiniciproducens is defined by Kuhnert et al., 2010 incorporated herein by reference.

The bacterial strain of the present invention additionally shows at least one of the following additional metabolic characteristics:

-   a) production of succinic acid from sucrose; -   b) production of succinic acid from maltose -   c) production of succinic acid from maltodextrin -   d) production of succinic acid from D-fructose; -   e) production of succinic acid from D-galactose; -   f) production of succinic acid from D-mannose; -   g) production of succinic acid from D-glucose; -   h) production of succinic acid from D-xylose; -   i) production of succinic acid from L-arabinose; -   j) production of succinic acid from lactose; -   k) production of succinic acid from raffinose; -   l) production of succinic acid from glycerol; -   m) growth at initial glucose concentrations of 75 g/l or more -   n) growth at initial glycerol concentrations of 70 g/l or more.

as for example a combination of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or all of said features, with feature I) (glycerol->SA) as a mandatory constituent of each of said combinations.

In a further embodiment the strain of the invention is converting sucrose, maltose, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, D-galactose, lactose, D-mannose, raffinose and/or glycerol to succinic acid with a yield coefficient YP/S of at least 0.5 g/g, preferably up to about 1.28 g/g; as for example a yield coefficient YP/S of at least 0.6 g/g, of at least 0.7 g/g, of at least 0.75 g/g, of at least 0.8 g/g, of at least 0.85 g/g, of at least 0.9 g/g, of at least 0.95 g/g, of at least 1.0 g/g, of at least 1.05 g/g, of at least 1.07 g/g, of at least 1.09 g/g of at least 1.10 g/g, of at least 1.11 g/g, of at least 1.22 g/g, or of at least 1.24 g/g

In a further embodiment the strain of the invention shows at least one of the following characteristics

-   a) converting at least 25 g/L of glycerol to at least 25.1 succinic     acid, with a yield coefficient YP/S of at least 1.01 g/g; -   b) converting at least one carbon source selected from sucrose,     maltose, maltodextrin, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose,     D-galactose, lactose, D-mannose, raffinose, and/or glycerol to     succinic acid with a specific productivity yield of at least 0.58 g     g DCW⁻¹ h⁻¹ succinic acid; -   c) converting a at least one carbon source selected from sucrose,     maltose, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, D-galactose,     lactose, D-mannose, and/or glycerol to succinic add with a space     time yield for succinic acid of at least 2.2 g/(L h) succinic acid; -   d) converting at least 25 g/L of at least one carbon source selected     from sucrose, maltose, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose,     D-galactose, lactose, D-mannose, and/or glycerol to succinic acid     with a space-time-yield for succinic acid of at least 2.2 g/(L h); -   e) converting at least one carbon source selected from sucrose,     maltose, maltodextrin, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose,     D-galactose, lactose, D-mannose, raffinose, and/or glycerol to     succinic acid with a specific productivity yield of at least 0.58 g     gDCW⁻¹ h⁻¹ succinic acid and a space-time-yield for succinic acid of     at least 2.2 g/(L h).

According to still another embodiment the bacterial strain of the invention is converting at least 28 g/L of glycerol to at least 28.1 g/L SA, with a yield coefficient YP/S of at least 1.0 g/g, or of >1.0 g/g, or of >1.05 g/g, or of >1.1 g/g, or of >1.15 g/g, or of >1.20 g/g, or of >1.22 g/g, or of >1.24 g/g, up to about 1.28 g/g. For example, 28 g/L of glycerol may be converted to up to about 40 or up to about 35 g/L SA.

According to still another embodiment the bacterial strain of the invention is converting at least one carbon source selected from sucrose, maltose, raffinose, maltodextrin, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, D-galactose, D-mannose, and/or glycerol to SA with a specific productivity yield of at least 0.6 g g DCW⁻¹ h⁻¹ SA, or of at least of at least 0.65, of at least 0.7 g g DCW⁻¹ h⁻¹, of at least 0.75 g gDCW⁻¹ h⁻¹, or of at least 0.77 g gDCW⁻¹ SA.

According to still another embodiment the bacterial strain of the invention is converting at least one carbon source selected from sucrose, maltose, raffinose, maltodextrin, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, D-galactose, D-mannose, and/or glycerol to SA with a space time yield for SA of at least 2.2 g/(L h) or of at least 2.5, at least 2.75, at least 3, at least 3.25, at least 3.5 or at least 3.7 g/(L*h) SA.

According to still another embodiment the bacterial strain of the invention is converting at least 28 g/L of at least one carbon source selected from sucrose, maltose, raffinose, maltodextrin, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, D-galactose, D-mannose, and/or glycerol to SA with a space-time-yield for SA of at least 2.2 g/(L h), or of at least 2.5, at least 2.75, at least 3, at least 3.25, at least 3.5 or at least 3.7 g/(L*h).

According to another embodiment the bacterial strain of the invention is converting at least one carbon source selected from sucrose, maltose, raffinose, maltodextrin D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, D-galactose, D-mannose, and/or glycerol to SA with a specific productivity yield of at least 0.6 g gDCW⁻¹ h⁻¹ or of at least of at least 0.65 or of at least 0.7 g gDCW⁻¹ h⁻¹ SA, or of at least 0.77 g gDCW⁻¹ h⁻¹ SA, and a space-time-yield for SA of at least 2.2 g/(L h), or of at least 2.5, at least 2.75, at least 3, at least 3.25, at least 3.5 or at least 3.7 g/(L*h).

Preferably said strain of the invention may be derived from strain DD1 as deposited with DSMZ having the deposit number DSM 18541 or may be or derived from a variant or mutant strain of DD1 having the ability to produce succinic acid.

Particular strains of the invention are producing succinic acid (SA) and side products (SSP) in an SA/SSP proportion of >10:1, or >12.5:1, or >15:1, or >17.5,1, or >20:1, or >25:1, or >30:1, or >33:1, wherein SSP represents the sum of side products lactic acid (LA), formic acid (FA), acetic acid (AA), and malic acid (MA), each amount being expressed in g/L.

Further particular strains are producing succinic acid (SA) and the side product acetic acid (AA) in an SA/AA proportion of >10:1, or >12.5:1 or >15:1, or >17.5:1, or, >20:1, or >25:1, or >30:1, or >40:1 or >50:1, or >75:1, or >90:1, each amount being expressed in g/L.

Further particular strains are producing succinic acid (SA) and the side product formic acid (FA) in an SA/FA proportion of >90:1, or >100:1, each amount being expressed in g/L.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a process for the fermentative production of an organic acid or a salt or derivative thereof, which process comprises the steps of:

-   a) incubating a bacterial strain as defined in one of the preceding     claims in a medium containing an assimilable carbon source and     cultivating said strain under conditions favouring the formation of     the desired organic acid; and -   b) obtaining said organic acid, in particular SA, or salt or     derivative thereof from the medium.

According to a particular process the fermentation is performed at a temperature in the range of about 10 to 60° C., as for example 20 to 50° C., 30 to 45° C., or 25 to 35° C., and at a pH of 5.0 to 9.0, as for example 5.5 to o 8, or 6 t 7, and in the presence of carbon dioxide. The pH may be controlled by the addition of NH₄HCO₃, (NH₄)₂CO₃, NaOH, Na₂CO₃, NaHCO₃, KOH, K₂CO₃, KHCO₃, Mg(OH)₂, MgCO₃, MgH(CO₃)₂, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Ca(HCO₃)₂, CaO, CH₆N₂O₂, C₂H₇N and/or mixtures thereof.

In particular, said assimilable carbon source is selected from glycerol, sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, D-fructose, D-galactose, D-mannose, lactose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, raffinose decomposition products of starch, cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignocellulose; and mixtures thereof.

In particular, said carbon source is glycerol or a mixture of glycerol and at least one further carbon source selected from sucrose, maltose, D-fructose, D-galactose, lactose, D-mannose, D-glucose, D-xylose, raffinose and L-arabinose.

According to a particular embodiment of said process, the concentration of the assimilable carbon source is adjusted to a value in a range of 5 to 80 g/l, as for example 10 to 60.

The present invention further provides a process for the fermentative production of succinic acid or a salt or derivative thereof, which process comprises the steps of:

-   a) incubating a bacterial strain in a medium containing at least one     assimilatable carbon source and cultivating said strain under     conditions favoring the formation of the desired organic acid; -   b) obtaining said organic acid or salt or derivative thereof from     the medium;     -   additionally characterized by at least one of the following         features: -   c) conversion of at least 25 g/L of glycerol to at least 25.1 g/L     succinic acid, with a yield coefficient YP/S of at least 1.0 g/g -   d) conversion of at least one carbon source selected from sucrose,     maltose, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, D-galactose,     D-mannose, raffinose, and/or glycerol to succinic acid with a     specific productivity yield of at least 0.58 g gDCW⁻¹ h⁻¹ succinic     acid; -   e) conversion of at least one carbon source selected from sucrose,     maltose, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, D-galactose,     lactose, D-mannose, raffinose and/or glycerol to succinic acid with     a space time yield for succinic acid of at least 2.2 g/(L h)     succinic acid; -   f) conversion of at least 25 g/L of at least one carbon source     selected from sucrose, maltose, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose,     L-arabinose, D-galactose, lactose, D-mannose, raffinose, and/or     glycerol to succinic acid with a space-time-yield for succinic acid     of at least 2.2 g/(L h); -   g) conversion of at least one carbon source selected from sucrose,     maltose, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, D-galactose,     lactose, D-mannose, raffinose, and/or glycerol to succinic acid with     a specific productivity yield of at least 0.6 g gDCW⁻¹ h⁻¹ succinic     acid and a space-time-yield for succinic acid of at least 2.2 g/(L     h; -   h) production of succinic acid (SA) and side products (SSP) in an     SA/SSP proportion of >10:1, or >12.5:1, or >15:1, or >17.5,1,     or >20:1, or >25:1, or >30:1, or >33:1, wherein SSP represents the     sum of side products lactic acid (LA), formic acid (FA), acetic acid     (AA), and malic acid (MA), each amount being expressed in g/L; -   i) production of succinic acid (SA) and the side product acetic acid     (AA) in an SA/AA proportion of >10:1, or >12.5:1, or >15:1,     or >17.5:1, or >20:1, or >25:1, or >30:1, or 50:1, or >75:1,     or >90:1, each amount being expressed in g/L.

According to a particular embodiment of said process said bacterial strain is a genetically modified strain as defined above.

The processes of the invention may be performed discontinuously or continuously. The course of the acid production may be monitored by conventional means, as for example HPLC or GC analysis.

Preferably SA is produced under anaerobic conditions. Anaerobic conditions may be established by means of conventional techniques, as for example by degassing the constituents of the reaction medium and maintaining anaerobic conditions by introducing carbon dioxide or nitrogen or mixtures thereof and optionally hydrogen at a flow rate of, for example, 0.1 to 1 or 0.2 to 0.5 vvm.

Aerobic conditions may be established by means of conventional techniques, as for example by introducing air or oxygen at a flow rate of, for example, 0.1 to 1 or 0.2 to 0.5 vvm.

If appropriate a slight over pressure of 0.1 to 1.5 bar may be applied according to the invention.

In another embodiment the invention provides a process for the production of succinic acid and/or succinic acid ammonium salts which method comprises the fermentative production of succinic acid as defined above and additionally controlling the pH with a base ammonia or an aqueous solution thereof, or with NH₄HCO₃, (NH₄)₂CO₃, NaOH, Na₂CO₃, NaHCO₃, KOH, K₂CO₃, KHCO₃, Mg(OH)₂, MgCO₃, MgH(CO₃)₂, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Ca(HCO₃)₂, CaO, CH₆N₂O₂, C₂H₇N and mixtures thereof. Generally, the physical condition of the base can either be an aqueous solution, aqueous suspension, gaseous or solid.

In one embodiment the organic acid, in particular succinic acid, and/or salts thereof are produced by one of the above or below mentioned methods and are further isolated and/or purified by the following steps:

-   -   filtration and/or centrifugation,     -   cation exchange chromatography and/or     -   crystallization.

-   Preferably the organic acid and/or salts thereof are further     isolated and/or purified by the following steps:     -   filtration, followed by     -   cation exchange chromatography, followed by     -   crystallization.

The filtration may be used to separate the bacterial cells from the succinic acid containing liquid. The filtration may be a diafiltration crossflow-filtration and/or ultrafiltration.

The material used for cation exchange chromatography may be a strong acid cation exchange resin. A strong acid cation exchange resin carries for example sulfonic acid groups. In particular, the material used for cation exchange chromatography may be a styrol-divinyl benzol-copolymerisate carrying sulfonic acid groups in the H⁺-form. H⁺-form means that the sulfonic acid groups are present in the acid-form. Preferably, the average particle size of the cation exchange chromatography resin is 0.3 to 1.5, more preferably 0.55 to 0.75 mm and/or the bulk density is 700 to 800 g/l. The cation exchange chromatography resin may be macroporous. Makroporous means that preferably the average pore diameter of the cation exchange resin is from 20 to 120 nm, preferably from 20 to 100 nm and more preferably from 20 to 40 nm. The particle distribution is preferably monodispers. Preferably, the total capacity of the cation exchange chromatography material is 0.5 to 2.0, more preferably 0.8 to 1.7, more preferably 1.0 to 1.5, more preferably 1.4 to 1.9 min eq./l., x eq./l means that 1 l cation exchange resin carries x mol sulfonic acid groups. Accordingly eq./l is calculated with respect to a single charged molecule. The succinic acid salt to be purified may be a Na, K, Ca, Mg and/or ammonium salt. For example the strong acid cation exchange resin may be Type Lewatit Monoplus SP 112 from Lanxess.

Preferably, the cation exchange chromatography is performed at a temperature from 20 to 60° C., more preferably from 46 to 60° C.

Further preferred methods of producing SA are described below:

Method 1:

In another embodiment the present invention provides a process for the fermentative production of SA or a salt or derivative thereof, which process comprises the steps of:

-   a. incubating a bacterial strain in a medium containing at least one     assimilatable carbon source and cultivating said strain under     conditions favoring the formation of the desired organic acid; -   b. obtaining said organic acid or salt or derivative thereof from     the medium; -    and which process is additionally characterized by conversion of at     least 50 g/L of glycerol to at least 50 g/L SA, with a yield     coefficient YP/S of at least 1.0 g/g, or of >1.0 g/g, or of >1.05     g/g, or of >1.1 g/g, or of >1.15 g/g, or of >1.20 g/g, or of >1.22     g/g, or of >1.24 g/g; up to about 1.28 g/g; as for example a yield     coefficient YP/S of at least 0.6 g/g, of at least 0.7 g/g, of at     least 0.75 g/g, of at least 0.8 g/g, of at least 0.85 g/g, of at     least 0.9 g/g, of at least 0.95 g/g, of at least 1.0 g/g, of at     least 1.05 g/g, of at least 1.1 g/g, of at least 1.15 g/g, of at     least 1.20 g/g, of at least 1.22 g/g, or of at least 1.24 g/g. For     example, 50 g/L of glycerol may be converted to up to about 65 or up     to 62.5 g/L SA or up to 60 g/L SA.     Method 2:

In another embodiment the present invention provides a process for the fermentative production of SA or a salt or derivative thereof, which process comprises the steps of:

-   a. incubating a bacterial strain with a pyruvate-formate-lyase     enzyme with decreased activity in a medium containing at least one     assimilatable carbon source and cultivating said strain under     conditions favoring the formation of the desired organic acid; -   b. obtaining said organic acid or salt or derivative thereof from     the medium; and which process is additionally characterized by -    conversion of a carbon source selected from sucrose, maltose,     maltodextrin, raffinose, D-fructose, D-glucose. D-xylose,     L-arabinose, D-galactose, D-mannose, and/or glycerol to SA with a     specific productivity yield of at least 0.42. g gDCW⁻¹ h⁻¹ SA or of     at least of at least 0.45 or of at least 0.47 g g DCW⁻¹ h⁻¹ SA, or     of at least 0.49 g gDCW⁻¹ h⁻¹ SA.     Method 3:

In another embodiment the present invention provides a process for the fermentative production of SA or a salt or derivative thereof, which process comprises the steps of:

-   a. incubating a bacterial strain with a pyruvate-formate-lyase     enzyme with decreased activity in a medium containing at least one     assimilatable carbon source and cultivating said strain under     conditions favoring the formation of the desired organic acid; -   b. obtaining said organic acid or salt or derivative thereof from     the medium; -    and which process is additionally characterized by conversion of a     carbon source selected from sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin,     raffinose, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose,     D-galactose, D-mannose, and/or glycerol to SA with a space time     yield for SA of at least 2.22 g/(L h), or of at least 2.5, at least     2.75, at least 2.9, g/(L*h) SA.     Method 4:

In another embodiment the present invention provides a process for the fermentative production of SA or a salt or derivative thereof, which process comprises the steps of:

-   a. incubating a bacterial strain in a medium containing at least one     assimilable carbon source and cultivating said strain under     conditions favoring the formation of the desired organic acid; -   b. obtaining said organic acid or salt or derivative thereof from     the medium; -    and which process is additionally characterized by conversion of at     least 50 g/L of a source selected from sucrose, maltose,     maltodextrin, raffinose, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose,     L-arabinose, D-galactose, D-mannose, and/or glycerol to SA with a     space-time-yield for SA of at least 2.2 g/(L h), or of at least 2.5,     at least 2.75, at least 3, at least 3.25, at least 3.5 or at least     3.7 g/(L*h).     Method 5:

In another embodiment the present invention provides a process for the fermentative production of SA or a salt or derivative thereof, which process comprises the steps of:

-   a. incubating a bacterial strain in a medium containing at least one     assimilatable carbon source and cultivating said strain under     conditions favoring the formation of the desired organic acid; -   b. obtaining said organic acid or salt or derivative thereof from     the medium; -    and which process is additionally characterized by conversion of a     carbon source selected from sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin,     raffinose, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose,     D-galactose, D-mannose, and/or glycerol to SA with a specific     productivity yield of at least 0.6 g gDCW⁻¹ h⁻¹ SA or of at least of     at least 0.65 or of at least 0.7 g gDCW⁻¹ h⁻¹ SA, or of at least     0.75 g gDCW⁻¹ h⁻¹ SA, or of at least 0.77 g gDCW⁻¹ h⁻¹ SA and a     space-time-yield for SA of at least of at least 2.2 g/(L h), or of     at least 2.5, at least 2.75, at least 3, at least 3.25, at least 3.5     or at least 3.7 g/(L*h).

In another embodiment of the above identified methods 1 to 5 of producing SA the carbon source is glycerol or a mixture of glycerol and at least one further carbon source selected from sucrose, maltose, raffinose, maltodextrin, D-fructose, D-galactose, D-mannose, D-glucose, D-xylose, and L-arabinose.

Particularly suitable conditions for producing SA are:

-   -   Carbon source: Glucose, xylose, maltose or maltodextrin,         raffinose and/or glycerol (including crude glycerol)     -   Temperature: 30 to 45° C.     -   pH: 5.5 to 7.0, controlled by a base as described above,         preferably by a HCO₃— source such as Na₂CO₃, NaHCO₃, Mg(HCO₃)₂,         Ca(HCO₃)₂ or, Mg(OH)₂, MgCO₃, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, supplied gas: CO₂         SA and/or SA salts produced may be isolated in conventional         manner by methods known in the art, as for example         crystallization, filtration, electrodialysis, chromatography.         For example, they may be isolated by precipitating as a calcium         succinate product in the fermenter during the fermentation by         using calcium hydroxide, -oxide, -carbonate or hydrogencarbonate         for neutralization and filtration of the precipitate. The         desired SA product is recovered from the precipitated calcium         succinate by acidification of the succinate with sulfuric acid         followed by filtration to remove the calcium sulfate (gypsum) or         which precipitates. The resulting solution may be further         purified by means of ion exchange chromatography in order to         remove undesired residual ions.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a process for the production of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and/or 1,4-butanediol (BDO) and/or gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), which comprises

-   b) the fermentative production of succinic acid and/or succinic acid     salts, as defined above, and -   b1) either the direct catalytic hydrogenation of the obtained free     acid to THF and/or BDO and/or GBL or -   b2) the chemical esterification of obtained free succinic acid     and/or succinic acid salts to its corresponding di-loweralkyl ester     and subsequent catalytic hydrogenation of said ester to THF and/or     BDO and/or GBL.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a process for the production of pyrrolidones which comprises

-   a) the fermentative production of succinic acid ammonium salts as     defined above, and -   b) the chemical conversion of succinic acid ammonium salts to     pyrrolidones in a manner known per se.

In a particular embodiment of the processes of the said glycerol, which is used as assimilable carbon source, is crude glycerol, in particular obtained by ester cleavage of triacylglycerides. For example glycerol is a waste product as obtained from the manufacture of bio diesel.

The present invention also relates to the use of a bacterial strain as defined above for the fermentative production of an organic fine chemical, as for example succinic acid or a salt or derivative thereof.

d) Further Particular Embodiments

d1) Genetic Manipulations

According to still another embodiment the bacterial strain of the invention contains a gene coding for a mutated enzyme of the pyruvate-formate-lyase (pfl) enzyme as its enzymatic activity is defined by the EC number EC 2.3.1.54. For example pfl enzyme activity is negatively influenced by the mutations in the pflA gene or by affecting the expressional regulation of the pflA gene. The sequence of the pflA gene and the pflA gene product can be found under the following accession numbers GeneID:6268899, YP_(—)001880903: Homologues of this gene are known under the accession numbers: NCBI-GeneID 945514, 945444, 947623, 948454, 3075405, the respective proteins under the accession numbers: UniProt: P09373, P75793, P42632, P32674, Q65VK2.

Also within in the scope of this invention are genes coding for the pyruvate-formate-lyase activating enzymes which are defined by the EC number EC 1.97.1.4 and are described in Knappe et al. 1990 and 1993 with decreased or deregulated activity. This can be performed through introducing mutations or gene deletions by methods described in this invention. Examples for this enzyme which activities can be decreased or which coding gene can be mutated or deregulated are encoded by the pfl activating enzyme gene pflA and the yfiD gene, the E. coli K12 gene known under the accession GeneID: 947068, the gene ybiY, with the accession number NCBI-GeneID: 945445 and the respective protein NP_(—)415345 the Mannheimia succiniproducens gene known under the accession GeneID: AAU37008, the respective proteins under the accession YP_(—)087593, NP_(—)417074 and YP_(—)087564 as well as the homologues of this gene. Described are the accession numbers of the non-mutated gene sequences which are subject to mutations or deletions described in this invention.

Also in the scope of this invention are strains showing a reduced activity of the protein arcA eg. Accession: ECK4393 (also known under the following descriptions: cpxC, fexA, sfrA, msp) or fnr by carrying genetic mutations for the respective gene, known under the accession NCBI-GeneID: 948874 for arcA or NCBI-GeneID: 945908 for fnr. Respective protein sequences can be found under the Accession P0A9E5. Similar genes are known for other organisms such as Mannheimia succinicproducens namely. NCBI-GeneID: 3076294 and the respective protein YP_(—)088696 for arcA and for fnr NCBI-GeneID:3075449 and UniProt: Q65TM6.

Also in the scope of this invention are strains showing a reduced activity of the lactate dehydrogenase defined by the EC number EC 1.1.1.27 and EC 1.1.1.28 coding for enzymes with a specificity of producing D-lactic or L-lactic acid or both. Examples are the E. coli genes NCBI-GeneID 946315 and the respective protein NP_(—)415898 or the M succiniproducens gene NCBI-GeneID 3075603 and the respective protein YP_(—)089271.

According to still another embodiment the bacterial strain of the invention contains:

(1) a mutated gene coding for a pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme defined by the EC nomenclature as EC 2.3.1.54, with decreased activity; and/or (2) a mutated gene coding for the pyruvate-formate-lyase activating enzyme defined by the EC nomenclature as EC 1.97.1.4 with decreased activity; and/or (3) a mutated gene coding for the arcA protein and/or (4) a mutated gene coding for a lactate dehydrogenase defined by the EC nomenclature as EC 1.1.1.27 or EC 1.1.1.28 with decreased activity.

A particular method for preparing genetically modified bacterial strains of the invention is a technique that is also sometimes referred to as the “Campbell recombination” herein (Leenhouts et al., 1989, Appl Env Microbiol 55, 394-400). “Campbell in”, as used herein, refers to the preparation of a transformant of an original host cell in which an entire circular double stranded DNA molecule (for example a plasmid) has integrated into a chromosome by a single homologous recombination event (a cross in event), and that effectively results in the insertion of a linearized version of said circular DNA molecule into a first DNA sequence of the chromosome that is homologous to a first DNA sequence of the said circular DNA molecule. “Campbelled in” refers to the linearized DNA sequence that has been integrated into the chromosome of a “Campbell in” transformant. A “Campbell in” contains a duplication of the first homologous DNA sequence, each copy of which includes and surrounds a copy of the homologous recombination crossover point.

“Campbell out,” as used herein, refers to a cell descending from a “Campbell in” transformant, in which a second homologous recombination event (a cross out event) has occurred between a second DNA sequence that is contained on the linearized inserted DNA of the “Campbelled in” DNA, and a second DNA sequence of chromosomal origin, which is homologous to the second DNA sequence of said linearized insert. The second recombination event results in the deletion (jettisoning) of a portion of the integrated DNA sequence, but, importantly, also results in a portion (this can be as little as a single base) of the integrated “Campbelled in” DNA remaining in the chromosome, such that compared to the original host cell, the “Campbell out” cell contains one or more intentional changes in the chromosome (for example, a deletion of the DNA sequence, a single base substitution, multiple base substitutions, insertion of a heterologous gene or DNA sequence, insertion of an additional copy or copies of a homologous gene or a modified homologous gene, or insertion of a DNA sequence comprising more than one of these aforementioned examples listed above).

A “Campbell out” cell is, preferably, obtained by a counter-selection against a gene that is contained in a portion (the portion that is desired to be jettisoned) of the “Campbelled in” DNA sequence, for example the Bacillus subtilis sacB gene, which is lethal when expressed in a cell that is grown in the presence of about 5% to 10% sucrose. Either with or without a counter-selection, a desired “Campbell out” cell can be obtained or identified by screening for the desired cell, using any screenable phenotype, such as, but not limited to, colony morphology, colony color, presence or absence of antibiotic resistance, presence or absence of a given DNA sequence by polymerase chain reaction, presence or absence of an auxotrophy, presence or absence of an enzyme, presence or absence of an enzymatic activity such as a pyruvate formate lyase activity or a lactate dehydrogenase activity, colony nucleic acid hybridization, antibody screening, etc. The term “Campbell in” and “Campbell out” can also be used as verbs in various tenses to refer to the method or process described above.

It is understood that the homologous recombination event that leads to a “Campbell in” or “Campbell out” can occur over a range of DNA bases within the homologous DNA sequence, and since the homologous sequences will be identical to each other for at least part of this range, it is not usually possible to specify exactly where the crossover event occurred. In other words, it is not possible to specify precisely which sequence was originally from the inserted DNA, and which was originally from the chromosomal DNA. Moreover, the first homologous DNA sequence and the second homologous DNA sequence are usually separated by a region of partial non-homology, and it is this region of non-homology that remains deposited in a chromosome of the “Campbell out” cell.

Preferably, first and second homologous DNA sequence are at least about 200 base pairs in length, and can be up to several thousand base pairs in length. However, the procedure can be made to work with shorter or longer sequences. For example, a length for the first and second homologous sequences can range from about 500 to 2000 bases, and the obtaining of a “Campbell out” from a “Campbell in” is facilitated by arranging the first and second homologous sequences to be approximately the same length, preferably with a difference of less than 200 base pairs and most preferably with the shorter of the two being at least 70% of the length of the longer in base pairs.

By applying the above method of genetic modification, mutant strains of a particular SA producer strain (i.e. DD1) were prepared by deleting the gens of endogenous pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme and/or lactate dehydrogenase enzyme as described in more detail in the following examples.

d2) Fermentation Steps:

A fermentation as used according to the present invention can, for example, be performed in stirred fermentors, bubble columns and loop reactors. A comprehensive overview of the possible method types including stirrer types and geometric designs can be found in “Chmiel: Bioprozesstechnik: Einführung in die Bioverfahrenstechnik, Band 1”. In the process of the invention, typical variants available are the following variants known to those skilled in the art or explained, for example, in “Chmiel, Hammes and Bailey: Biochemical Engineering”, such as batch, fed-batch, repeated fed-batch or else continuous fermentation with and without recycling of the biomass. Depending on the production strain, sparging with air, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, nitrogen or appropriate gas mixtures may be effected in order to achieve good yield (YP/S).

Before the intended chemical conversion in a fermentation broth is performed in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be pretreated; for example, the biomass of the broth can be removed. Processes for removing the biomass are known to those skilled in the art, for example filtration, sedimentation and flotation. Consequently, the biomass can be removed, for example, with centrifuges, separators, decanters, filters or in flotation apparatus. For maximum recovery of the product of value, washing of the biomass is often advisable, for example in the form of a diafiltration. The selection of the method is dependent upon the biomass content in the fermenter broth and the properties of the biomass, and also the interaction of the biomass with the product of value. In one embodiment, the fermentation broth can be sterilized or pasteurized.

In a further embodiment, the fermentation broth is concentrated. Depending on the requirement, this concentration can be done batch wise or continuously. The pressure and temperature range should be selected such that firstly no product damage occurs, and secondly minimal use of apparatus and energy is necessary. The skillful selection of pressure and temperature levels for a multistage evaporation in particular enables saving of energy.

Stirred tanks, falling-film evaporators, thin-film evaporators, forced-flash circulation evaporators and other evaporator types can be utilized in natural or forced circulation mode.

d3) Esterification of SA and Hydrogenation:

Suitable experimental conditions for performing the chemical esterification, followed by direct catalytic hydrogenation are well known, and for example, described in European Patent application 06007118.0 incorporated herewith by reference.

a) Esterification Process:

The esterification process, which may comprise a reactive distillation can be performed using an apparatus known per se in various designs.

For example an esterification plant, which is operated in continuous mode can be used which comprises a rectification column with an appropriate number of theoretical stages achieved by installation of trays or packings. The aqueous charge comprising the ammonium salt of SA is fed into the top of the column from a reservoir vessel as soon as a steady-state temperature profile has formed in the column as a result of feeding-in alkanol that is evaporated in the evaporator loop adherent to the sump of the column. The reaction forms a countercurrent flow of descending, ammonium salt-containing liquid and condensate, and ascending, alkanol-containing vapor phase. To catalyze the esterification reaction, a homogeneous catalyst may be added to the ammonium salt initial charge. Alternatively, heterogeneous catalysts may be provided in the column internals. The carboxylic ester formed is liquid under the process conditions and passes via the lower end of the column into the sump of the distillation column and is continuously withdrawn from the sump. Gaseous components, for example azeotropic mixtures comprising alkanol-water and/or ammonia, are removed from the reaction column and hence from the reaction equilibrium at the top of the column.

Further modifications of the above-described specific embodiments can be implemented by the person skilled in the art without unacceptable effort.

Suitable process parameter ranges for the esterification process according to the invention can be determined easily by the person skilled in the art depending on the configuration of the apparatus used, for example type of column internals used, type and amount of the reactants, type and amount of the catalyst used if appropriate. For instance, without being restrictive thereto, individual parameters may be set within the following parameter ranges:

-   Column temperature: 0-300° C., in particular 40-250° C., or 70-200°     C. -   Pressure: from 0.1 to 6 bar, in particular standard pressure -   Residence time: a few seconds (for example from 1 to 60) up to days     (for example from 1 to 5), -   in particular from a few minutes (for example from 1 to 60) to a few     hours (for example from 1 to 15), more preferably from a few minutes     (for example from 5 to 20) to 2 h.     b) Hydrogenation Process

The SA esters or SA as prepared in accordance with the invention per se are hydrogenated in a manner known per se using processes, apparatus and assistants, such as catalysts, familiar to the person skilled in the art.

In particular, a continuous or batchwise gas phase hydrogenation is carried out in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst suitable for the ester hydrogenation. The optimal process parameters can be established by the person skilled in the art for the particular ester without unacceptable effort. For example, the reaction temperature is in the range from about 100 to about 300° C., preferably in the range from about 200 to 280° C., and the pressure is from about 5 to 100 bar, for example from 10 to 50 bar. The molar ratio of reactant to hydrogen is set within the range from about 1:100 to about 1:2000, for example from 1:800 to 1:1500.

Catalysts usable for the hydrogenation reaction are known to the person skilled in the art. For example, various copper catalysts may be used. The prior art describes, for example, the use of reduced copper chromite catalysts which are obtainable under the name 85/1 from Davy Process Technology Ltd., England. However, catalysts particularly suitable in accordance with the invention are supported copper oxide catalysts, the copper oxide being applied to alumina or silica support materials. The examples of the hydrogenation of succinic esters to BDO (1,4-Butanediol)/GBL (gamma-butyrlactone)/THF with copper catalysts are also described in the following thesis: Schlander, January, February 2000, University of Karlsruhe, “Gasphasenhydrierung von Maleinsäuredimethylester zu 1,4-Butandiol, gamma-Butyrolacton und Tetrahydrofuran an Kupfer-Katalysatoren”.

The present invention will be described in greater detail by means of the following examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES Genetic Modification and Cultivation Example 1 General Method for the Transformation of DD1

TABLE 1 Nomenclature of the DD1 wildtype and mutants referred to in the examples. Strain Description LU13843 Wildtype DD1 (deposit DSM18541) LU15348 DD1 Δ pfl LU15050 DD1 Δ ldh LU15224 DD1 Δ pfl Δ ldh

Pasteurella strain LU13843 (wild type DD1) was transformed with DNA by electroporation using the following protocol:

For preparing a pre-culture LU 13843 was inoculated from a freshly grown BHI-Agar plate into 40 ml BHI (brain heart infusion, Difco) in 100 ml shake flask. Incubation was performed over night at 30° C.; 200 rpm.

For preparing the main-culture 50 ml BHI were placed in a 100 ml shake flask and inoculated to a final OD (610 nm) of 0.4 with the preculture. Incubation was performed for approximately 1.5 h at 30° C., 200 rpm. The cells were harvested at an OD of approximately 1.3, pellet were washed once with 10% cold glycerol at 4° C. and resuspended in 1.7 ml 10% glycerol (4° C.).

100 μl of competent cells were the mixed with 5-10 μg DNA (10-20 μl) and kept on ice for 2 min in an electroporation cuvette with a width of 0.2 cm. Electroporation under the following conditions: 800 Ω; 25 μF; 2 kV (Gene Pulser, Bio-Rad). 1 ml of BHI was added immediately after electroporation. and an incubation was performed for 2 h at 30° C.

Cells were plated on BHI with 5 mg/L chloramphenicol and incubated for 2-5 d at 30° C. until the colonies of the transformants were visible. Clones were isolated and restreaked onto BHI with 5 mg/l chloramphenicol until purity of clones was obtained.

Example 2 Generation of Deletion Constructs

Mutation/deletion plasmids were constructed based on the vector pSacB (SEQ ID NO 3). FIG. 1 shows a schematic map of plasmid pSacB. 5′- and 3′-flanking regions of the chromosomal fragment, which should be deleted were amplified by PCR from chromosomal DNA of LU 13843 and introduced into said vector using standard techniques. Normally, at least 80% of the ORF were targeted for a deletion. In such a way, the deletion plasmids for the pyruvate-formate-lyase pfl, pSacB (Δpfl) (SEQ ID NO 4), and the lactate dehydrogenase ldhA, pSacB (Δ ldhA) (SEQ ID NO 5) were constructed. FIGS. 2 and 3 show schematic maps of plasmid pSacB (Δpfl) and pSacB (ΔldhA).

In the plasmid sequence of pSacB (SEQ ID NO:3) the sacB gene is contained from bases 5169-6590. The chloramphenicol gene is contained from base 526-984. The sacB promotor is contained from bases 3802-4264. The chloramphenicol gene is contained from base 526-984. The origin of replication for E. coli (ori EC) is contained from base 1477-2337.

In the plasmid sequence of pSacB delta pfl (SEQ ID NO:4) the 3′ flanking region of the pfl gene, which is homologous to the genome of DD1, is contained from bases 65-1533, while the 5′ flanking region of the pfl gene which is homologous to the genome of DD1 is contained from bases 1534-2956. The sacB gene is contained from bases 5256-6677. The sacB promoter is contained from bases 6678-7140. The chloramphenicol gene is contained from base 3402-3860. The origin of replication for E. coli (ori EC) is contained from base 4353-5213.

In the plasmid pSacB delta ldh (SEQ ID NO:5) the 5′ flanking region of the ldh gene, which is homologous to the genome of DD1, is contained from bases 2850-1519, while the 3′ flanking region of the ldh gene, which is homologous to the genome of DD1, is contained from bases 1518-63. The sacB gene is contained from bases 5169-6590. The sacB promoter is contained from bases 6591-7053. The chloramphenicol gene is contained from base 3315-3773. The origin of replication for E. coli (ori EC) is contained from base 4266-5126.

Example 3 Generation of Improved Succinate Producing Strains

a) LU 13843 was transformed as described above with the pSacB (Δpfl) and “Campbelled in” to yield a “Campbell in” strain. Transformation and integration into the genome of LU 13843 was confirmed by PCR yielding bands for the integrational event of the plasmid into the genome of LU 13843.

The “Campbell in” strain was then “Campbelled out” using agar plates containing sucrose as a counter selection medium, selecting for the loss (of function) of the sacB gene. Therefore, the “Campbell in” strains were incubated in 25-35 ml of non selective medium (BHI containing no antibiotic) at 37° C., 220 rpm over night. The overnight culture was then streaked onto freshly prepared BHI containing sucrose plates (10%, no antibiotics) and incubated overnight at 37° C. (“first sucrose transfer”). Single colony obtained from first transfer were again streaked onto freshly prepared BHI containing sucrose plates (10%) and incubated overnight at 37° C. (“second sucrose transfer”). This procedure was repeated until a minimal completion of five transfers (“third, forth, fifth sucrose transfer”) in sucrose. The term “first to fifth sucrose transfer” refers to the transfer of a strain after chromosomal integration of a vector containing a sacB levansucrase gene onto sucrose and growth medium containing agar plates for the purpose of selecting for strains with the loss of the sacB gene and the surrounding plasmid sequences. Single colony from the fifth transfer plates were inoculated onto 25-35 ml of non selective medium (BHI containing no antibiotic) and incubated at 37° C., 220 rpm over night. The overnight culture was serially diluted and plated onto BHI plates to obtain isolated single colonies.

The “Campbelled out” strains containing, the mutation/deletion of the pfl gene were confirmed by chloramphenicol sensitivity. The mutation/deletion mutants among these strains were identified and confirmed by PCR analysis. This led to the pfl mutation/deletion mutant DD1 delta pfl LU 15348.

b) LU15348 was transformed with pSacB (Δ ldh) as described above and “Campbelled in” to yield a “Campbell in” strain. Transformation and integration was confirmed by PCR. The “Campbell in” strain was then “Campbelled out” as described previously. The deletion mutants among these strains were identified and confirmed by PCR analysis. This led to the pfl ldhA double deletion mutant LU15224.

c) LU13843 was transformed with pSacB (Δ ldh) as described above and “Campbelled in” to yield a “Campbell in” strain. Transformation and integration was confirmed by PCR. The “Campbell in” strain was then “Campbelled out” as described previously. The deletion mutants among these strains were identified and confirmed by PCR analysis. This led to the ldhA deletion mutant LU15050.

Example 4 Cell Bank Preparation

1. Media Preparation

Composition of the cultivation media is described in table 2.

TABLE 2 Composition of solid and liquid media for the preparation of cell banks. Concentration Concentration of Compound [g/l] stock solution [g/l] Glucose varying^(a) 650 Bacto yeast extrakt (Becton 5 — Dickinson) Bacto peptone (Becton Dickinson) 5 — (NH4)₂SO₄ 1 500 CaCl₂*2H₂O 0.2 20 MgCl₂*6H₂O 0.2 20 NaCl 1 100 K₂HPO₄ 3 500 MgCO₃ Varying^(b) — Bacto-Agar (for solid media only) 12 ^(a)Glucose concentrations were 15 g/l (in plates) and 20 or 50 g/l (in liquid media). ^(b)MgCO₃ (Riedel-de Haen, product number: 13117 by Sigma-Aldrich Laborchemikalien GmbH) concentrations were 5 g/l (in plates) and 0 or 30 g/l (in liquid media).

5 g yeast extract, 5 g peptone, MgCO₃ and (for solid media) 12 g Bacto-Agar were mixed in 900 ml distilled water and autoclaved (20 min). After cooling down to about 65° C. the missing components were added as sterile stock solutions. Glucose, ammonium sulfate and K₂HPO₄ were all separately autoclaved. Ca—, Mg— and Na-chlorides were autoclaved together.

2. MCB Preparation

The master cell bank (MCB) for the inoculation of the individual experiments was performed as followed. Two agar plates were freshly inoculated with the desired strain and incubated at 37° C. in an anaerobic jar (Anaerocult A, Merck) over night. The biomass was taken off the plates and resuspended in the MgCO₃-free liquid medium with 20 g/l glucose to adjust OD₆₀₀≈1.0. Inoculation was performed with 0.5 ml of this cell suspension. Cultivations were performed in 100 ml-serum bottles with gas tight butyl rubber stoppers (Ochs GmbH, Bovenden/Lenglern, Germany) containing 50 ml of the liquid medium with 20 g/l glucose and 30 g/l MgCO₃ and a CO₂— atmosphere with 0.8 bar overpressure. The serum bottles (in total 10) were incubated at 37° C., a rotary speed of 160 rpm and a shaking diameter of 2.5 cm.

To monitor glucose consumption the cultivation of one bottle was stopped and sampling and HPLC analysis were performed after 0, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 8.5 h. After 8.5 h (the glucose concentration was 3.4 g/l) the cultivation was stopped. Aliquots of 0.5 ml cell suspension and 0.5 ml sterile glycerol were filled in cryovials, mixed and stored for 13 h at −20 and afterwards at −80° C. as MCB. The MCB was tested for purity by streaking a loop of the last cryovial on agar plates for contamination control and checking in liquid culture (media as described table 8) the product spectrum and for contamination (by microscopy).

Consumption of glucose and formation of SA and by-products were quantified via HPLC analyses of the undiluted cell free supernatants of the cultivation broth using RI-detection. Broth samples were taken with a sterile syringe through the butyl rubber plug, cell separation was performed by filtration (0.22 μm). A 300×7.8 mm I. D. Column Aminex HPX-87 H (Biorad) and 5 mm H2SO4 were used as stationary and mobile phase, respectively. The column temperature was 30° C., the flow rate was 0.5 ml min⁻¹.

One vial of the MCB was used to inoculate a 100 ml-serum bottle with gas tight butyl rubber stopper (see above) containing 50 ml of the liquid medium with 50 g/l glucose. Incubation was performed for 10 h at 37° C. in a shaking incubator (rotary speed: 180 rpm, shaking diameter: 2.5 cm). At the end of the cultivation the glucose concentration was 20 g/l and the pH around 6.5. Aliquots of 0.5 ml cell suspension and 0.5 ml sterile glycerol were filled in cryovials, mixed and stored at −80° C. as WCB. Purity checks were the same as for the MCB. HPLC conditions were the same as those described above.

Example 5 Cultivation of Various DD1 Strains on Glycerol or Glycerol and Maltose

The productivity of the mutant strain DD1Δ pfl (LU15348) and DD1Δ pfl Δ ldh (LU15224) in the presence of gylcerol or glycerol and maltose as a carbon source was further analyzed utilizing the following medium and incubation conditions.

1. Medium Preparation

The composition and preparation of the cultivation medium is as described in the following table 3.

TABLE 3 Medium composition for DD1 cultivation on the substrates glycerol or glycerol and maltose. Compound Concentration [g/l] 1 Bacto yeast extrakt (Becton Dickinson) 10 2 (NH₄)₂SO₄ 2 3 CaCl₂*2H₂O 0.2 4 MgCl₂*6H₂O 0.2 5 NaCl 1 6 K₂HPO₄ 3 7 MgCO₃ (Riedel-de Haen 13117) 1 g/g substrate 9 NaHCO₃ 8.4 10 substrate varying Alternative Synthetic Growth Medium

It is favorable to use a synthetic growth medium without complex ingredients for the fermentation in order to improve downstream processing and design a synthetic growth medium for cost efficient fermentation.

Medium Preparation

The synthetic growth medium was developed in relation to other synthetic growth media for rumen bacteria (Nili and Brooker, 1995, McKinlay et al, 2005), previous in house experience with other bacteria and by performing single omission experiments. Finally, the medium contained 50 g/L glucose, 1 g/L (NH₄)₂SO₄, 0.2 g/L CaCl₂*2H₂O, 0.2 g/L MgCl₂*6H₂O, 1 g/L NaCl, 3 g/L K₂HPO₄, 1 mg/L nicotinic acid, 1.5 mg/L pantothenic acid, 5 mg/L pyridoxine, 5 mg/L riboflavin, 5 mg/L biotin, 1.5 mg/L thiamin HCl, 0.26 g/L lysine, 0.15 g/L threonine, 0.05 g/L methionine, 0.71 g/L glutamic acid, 0.06 g/L histidine, 0.07 g/L tryptophane, 0.13 g/L phenylalanine, 0.06 g/L tyrosine, 0.5 g/L serine, 0.5 g/L glycine, 0.5 g/L cysteine, 0.1 g/L β-Alanine, 0.27 g/L alanine, 0.19 g/L valine, 0.23 g/L leucine, 0.16 g/L isoleucine, 0.33 g/L aspartic acid, 0.1 g/L asparagine, 0.13 g/L proline, 0.15 g/L arginine and/or 0.1 g/L glutamine.

Serum bottles containing 50 mL of synthetic growth medium were autoclaved with water and 30 g/L MgCO₃ as the buffer system. Glucose, ammonium sulfate and potassium phosphate were sterilized, separately. Ca-, Mg- and Na-chlorides were sterilized together. Vitamins and amino acids were assembled in various stock solutions and filter sterilized. After cooling down the serum bottles the components were added as sterile stock solutions.

2. Cultivations and Analytics

For growing the seed culture one vial of the WCB was used to inoculate a 100 ml-serum bottle with gas tight butyl rubber stopper (see above) containing 50 ml of the liquid medium described in table 2 but with 20 g/l glucose and a CO₂— atmosphere with 0.8 bar overpressure. Incubation was performed for a mutant-specific number of hours (table 4) at 37° C. and 160 rpm (shaking diameter: 2.5 cm) The cell suspension was centrifuged (Biofuge prima R, Heraeus,) with 5000 g for 5 minutes and the cell pellet was washed and then resuspended in 50 ml medium without a carbon source and without MgCO₃ to generate a glucose-free inoculum (all steps at room temperature and in the anaerobic chamber).

TABLE 4 Incubation time of various DD1 mutant seed cultures Strain Hours of incubation LU 13843  8 hrs LU 15050 10 hrs LU 15348 13 hrs LU 15228 20 hrs

The main cultures were grown in 100 ml-serum bottles containing 10 ml liquid medium with either 50 g/l glycerol or 50 g/l glycerol and 10 g/l D-maltose and in both cases a CO₂— atmosphere with 0.8 bar overpressure. The quality ‘Glycerol 99%, puriss.’ (Riedel-de Haen, product number: 15523-1L-R by Sigma-Aldrich Laborchemikalien GmbH, Seelze, Germany) was used for all experiments. Inoculation was performed with 1.5 ml of the glucose-free inoculum. The bottles were incubated at 37° C., and 160 rpm (shaking diameter: 2.5 cm).

Consumption of the C-sources and production of carboxylic acids was quantified via HPLC as described in example 4 after 24 h. As glycerol was measured the column temperature was adjusted to 50° C. to achieve a sufficient separation of SA, lactic acid and glycerol which have similar retention times.

Cell growth was measured by measuring the absorbance at 660 nm (OD₆₀₀) using a spectrophotometer (Ultrospec3000, Amersham Biosciences, Uppsala Sweden). Cell concentration defined as gram dry cell weight (DCW) per liter was calculated from the pre-determined standard curve relating the OD₆₀₀ to DCW (1 OD₆₀₀=0.27 g DCW I⁻¹).

3. Results

The results of the cultivation experiments with for different DD1 strains are shown in table 5 for the substrate glycerol and table 6 for the substrate mixture of glycerol and maltose.

TABLE 5 Cultivation of various DD1 strains on glycerol DD1 strain LU13843 LU15348 LU15050 LU15224 tc [h]^(a) 24 24 24 24 ΔC_(Glycerol) [g/l]^(b) −17.3 −25.8 −17.4 −28.6 ΔC_(SA) [g/L]^(c) 19.5 29.9 19.9 36.2 ΔC_(LA) [g/L]^(c,h) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.04 ΔC_(FA) [g/l]^(c,h) 0.2 0.05 0.2 <0.01 ΔC_(AA) [g/l]^(c,h) 1.0 0.6 1.1 0.3 ΔC_(PA) [g/l]^(c,h) 0.3 <0.01 0.4 <0.01 ΔC_(MA) [g/l]^(c,h) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Sum of side products 1.5 0.7 1.7 0.3 SSP [g/l]^(d) SA/SSP [g/g]^(e) 13.0 46.0 11.7 >100 Ratio SA/FA^(f) 97.5 >100 99.5 >100 Ratio SA/AA^(f) 19.5 49.8 18.1 >100 STY [g/(l h)]^(g) 0.81 1.24 0.82 1.50 Carbon Yield (YP/S) 1.12 1.15 1.13 1.26 [g/g]^(g) ^(a)cultivation time. ^(b)consumption of substrate (glycerol, maltose). ^(c)formation of succinic, lactic, formic, acetic, pyruvic and malic acid. ^(d)sum of side products lactic, formic, acetic, pyruvic and malic acid. ^(e)ratio of SA per sum of side products. ^(f)ratio of SA per side product (FA = formic acid; AA = acetic acid). ^(g)space time yield and yield (YP/S) for SA. ^(h)Detection limits for acetic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, and formic acid were found to be lower than 0.01 g/l in the given HPLC method

In the glycerol-cultivation experiment it is shown that knocking out the pyruvate format lyase gene pfl in a SA producing organism as e.g. DD1 leads to significantly higher carbon yield (YP/S) and STY for SA as for the wildtype when grown on glycerol as a substrate. The carbon yield (YP/S) is increased from 1.12 g/g for the DD1 strain to 1.15 g/g for the Δ pfl mutant strain LU15348.

Other than reported by Lee et al, 2006 or Lin et al 2005 for SA producing bacteria on glucose, knocking out only the lactate dehydrogenase gene ldhA in DD1 (LU15050) shows no improvement of the technical relevant characteristics of this fermentation such as STY of SA and only minor increase in carbon yield (YP/S). The amount of acetic acid however is even increased if the lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activity is decreased. Surprisingly and unexpectedly from the analysis of the behavior of strains with the single mutations it was found that the mutant strain carrying the combination of the gene mutations in the pfl and the ldh gene the fermentation of glycerol to SA shows even larger non additive improvement to the reached carbon yield (YP/S) as was expected from the single mutations of LU 15050 and LU15348. The carbon yield (YP/S) of 1.26 g/g observed is close to the potential theoretical carbon yield (YP/S) of 1.28 g/g for the conversion of 1 Mol glycerol+1 Mol CO₂ to 1 Mol of SA.

Also the sum of side products (SSP) generated in LU15348 is significantly decreased while growing on glycerol as no formic acid and less acetic acid is produced. As mentioned above, the SA concentration is significantly increased compared to wildtype or LU15050. This observation is expressed in the ratios of SA over the arithmetic sum of side products (SSP) SA:SSP g/g, which exceeds 40 for LU15348 and exceeds 100 for LU15224 compared to a level of 10 for LU13843 and LU15050.

In the aforementioned experiment it was found that the STY of fermentation of glycerol to SA did not exceed 1.5 g/(l*h) for strains carrying mutations in the pfl and ldh genes. Therefore, an improved process was developed that showed improved STY values for the production of SA in an anaerobic fermentation. This process is described in the application PCT/EP2008/006714 on the pages 44-46. This process was adapted for the production of succinate utilizing strains carrying mutations in the genes.

TABLE 6 Cultivation of various DD1 strains on glycerol and maltose LU13843 LU15348 LU15050 LU15224 tc [h]^(a) 24 24 24 24 ΔC_(Glycerol) [g/L]^(b) −41.2 −48.2 −40 −51.3 ΔC_(Maltose) [g/L]^(b) −11.5 −10.9 −11.3 −11.3 ΔC_(SA) [g/L]^(c) 53.2 64.7 51.8 69.8 ΔC_(LA) [g/L]^(c,i) <0.01 2.5 <0.01 0.1 ΔC_(FA) [g/L]^(c,i) 2.8 <0.01 3.0 <0.01 ΔC_(AA) [g/L]^(c) 3.8 0.7 3.6 1.5 ΔC_(PA) [g/L]^(c,i) <0.01 0.6 0.1 0.4 ΔC_(MA) [g/L]^(c,i) 0.05 0.03 0.03 0.1 Σ SP [g/L]^(d) 6.65 3.8 6.73 2.1 SA/SSP [g/g]^(e) 8.0 16.9 7.7 33.2 Ratio SA/FA^(f) 19.11 >100 17.1 >100 Ratio SA/AA^(f) 13.9 92.7 14.2 46.2 STY [g/(L h)]^(g) 2.21 2.69 2.15 2.90 Yield (YP/S) [g/g]^(g) 1.01 1.09 1.01 1.11 OD₆₀₀ ^(h) 12.9 14.8 16.4 18.6 DCW [g/L]^(i) 3.5 4 4.4 5 Specific productivity 0.63 0.67 0.49 0.58 [g gDCW⁻¹ h⁻¹]^(k) ^(a)cultivation time. ^(b)consumption of substrate (glycerol, maltose). ^(c)formation of succinic, lactic, formic, acetic, pyruvic and malic acid ^(d)sum of side products lactic, formic, acetic, pyruvic and malic acid, ^(e)ratio of SA per sum of side products. ^(f)ratio of SA per side product (FA = formic acid; AA = acetic acid). ^(g)space time yield and yield (YP/S) for SA. ^(h)Optical density at 600 nm, diluting the sample 1:20 with 1M HCl before measuring in a Ultrospec2000, Amersham Biosciences, Uppsala Sweden. ^(i)g Biomass as dry cell weight (DCW) ^(h)Specific productivity: g SA per g biomass (dry cell weight) per h ^(i)Detection limits for acetic acid, lactic acid, malic acid and formic acid were found to be lower than 0.01 g/l in the given HPLC method

Growing DD1 on glycerol simultaneously with another saccharide maltose has been shown to allow for a higher SA STY and yield (YP/S) and an increased concentration of side products as compared to using glycerol as the sole substrate (PCT/EP2008/006714 on the pages 44-46).

Comparing LU15348 to the DD1 wildtype shows increased SA amount, STY and carbon yield (YP/S) if the activity of the Pfl enzyme is decreased. Surprisingly, in contrast to other examples described in the state of the art (Lee et al 2006, Lin et al 2005), no growth defect was observed in the mutant strains over the non-mutated strain DD1. This observation is of great technical relevance since good growth of a strain is essential for a technical production process. Cell growth is increased in all mutants compared to the wildtype. Knocking out either pfl or ldh has positive effect on growth of the mutated bacterial strain.

Due to lack of detectable formic acid, decreased amount of acetic acid and increased SA concentration, the ratio SA/SSP is increased in mutant strains containing decreased enzyme activity of Pfl inferred by genetic mutations. However, the side product lactic acid has increased compared to the wildtype. The double knockout LU15224 has a further increased yield (YP/S) and STY while LU15050 did not show any improvement in carbon yield (YP/S), STY or the SSP observed.

It is noted that the pfl mutation is necessary and sufficient to improve the fermentation of glycerol with and without a second saccharide substrate over the performance of a wildtype strain in a SA process based on the metabolization of glycerol. In contrast to this finding a prior art pfl mutation in a wildtype derived strain has not been shown to induce the fermentation of SA (Zhu 2005). Only the combinations of several mutations including pfl and ldh did result in a measurable succinic acid production albeit at reduced growth and poor STY performance (Lin 2005, Lee 2006). The finding of this work teaches the construction of an improved process for the fermentative production of SA consisting of a mutated strain together with a specific process to yield a process with superior performance over the prior art.

Surprisingly, the specific productivity for SA is superior for the pfl mutant strain LU15348 over LU15050 and LU15224 carrying mutations in the ldh gene and in both ldh and pfl genes. It is known to the expert in the field that depending on the process a high specific activity of product formation is a desirable characteristic of a technical process. Obviously, the negative effect of knocking out lactate dehydrogenase lowers the specific productivity of LU15348 below the value of the wildtype.

Example 6 Cultivation of LU15348 on Mixtures of Glycerol Various Carbohydrates

The productivity of the mutant strain LU15348 in the presence of glycerol and various carbohydrates as a carbon source was analyzed utilizing the following medium and incubation conditions.

1. Medium Preparation, Cultivation and Analytics

The composition and preparation of the cultivation medium is as described in the table 3 of example 5. Cultivation and analytics occur as described in example 5.

The quality ‘Maltodextrin’ (Maldex150, Cat. no.: 50499 by Boom, 7942 JE Meppel, The Netherlands) was used within this experiment. Due to the undefined mixture of saccharide chains with various lengths the concentration of maltodextrin was not analyzed to full extent by HPLC-analytics. Therefore, maltodextrin content was determined gravimetrically precisely before being added to the cultivation medium. In order to calculate the lower limit of the achieved theoretical yield (YP/S) it was assumed that all the maltodextrin added to the fermentation had been consumed, being aware that this will allow only for calculation of the lower limit of carbon yield (YP/S) after SA fermentation. More likely, the more exact values of the carbon yield (YP/S) will be higher than the described values due to potentially incomplete consumption of the substrate maltodextrin which is undetected.

2. Results

The results of the cultivation experiments for LU15348 are shown in table 7 for the substrate glycerol in cofermentation with various carbohydrates as e.g. maltose, maltodextrin or raffinose.

TABLE 7 Cultivation of LU15348 on glycerol in cofermentation with various carbohydrates Glycerol + Glycerol + Glycerol + 10 g/L 10 g/L 17 g/L LU15348 Maltose Maltodextrin Raffinose Glycerol tc [h]^(a) 24 24 24 24 ΔC_(Glycerol) [g/L]^(b) −48.2 −30.5 −37.4 −25.8 ΔC_(Carbohydrate) [g/L]^(b) −10.9 n.a. −1.5 — ΔC_(SA) [g/L]^(c) 64.7 48.4 35.6 29.9 ΔC_(LA) [g/L]^(c) 2.5 1.0 0.2 <0.01 ΔC_(FA) [g/L]^(c,i) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.05 ΔC_(AA) [g/L]^(c) 0.7 0.4 0.3 0.6 ΔC_(PA) [g/L]^(c,i) 0.6 <0.01 0.2 <0.01 ΔC_(MA) [g/L]^(c,i) 0.03 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Σ SP [g/L]^(d) 3.8 0.4 0.5 0.7 Ratio SA/SSP [g/g]^(e) 16.9 >100 71.2 46.0 Ratio SA/FA^(f) >100 >100 >100 >100 Ratio SA/AA^(f) 92.7 >100 >100 49.8 STY [g/(L h)]^(g) 2.69 2.02 1.48 1.24 Yield (YP/S) [g/g]^(g) 1.09 ≧1.02* 1.11 1.15 ^(a)cultivation time. ^(b)consumption of substrate (glycerol, maltose). ^(c)formation of succinic, lactic, formic, acetic, pyruvic and malic acid. ^(d)sum of side products lactic, formic, acetic, pyruvic and malic acid. ^(e)ratio of SA per sum of side products. ^(f)ratio of SA per side product (FA = formic acid; AA = acetic acid). ^(g)space time yield and yield (YP/S) for SA. ^(i)Detection limits for acetic acid, lactic acid, malic acid and formic acid were found to be lower than 0.01 g/l in the given HPLC method *lower limit of yield (YP/S) due to unknown residual maltodextrin concentration which was not analyzed.

Cultivating strain LU15348 on glycerol in cofermentation with diverse saccharides such as maltose, a mixture of high molecular saccharide such as maltodextrin or still another saccharide raffinose, leads to similar results showing that the simultaneous fermentation of diverse carbon sources including glycerol as one carbon source leads to a number of technically relevant improvements of SA production over the state of the art previously described. Examples are increased rates and improved total amounts of glycerol consumed by the process, leading to higher SA titers as compared to the state of the art. Additionally, the STY is increased over the control not containing a saccharide. Side product concentration is generally diminished, except in the case of maltose as cosubstrate, where lactic acid is the increased side product compared with the sole glycerol cultivation. The SA yield (YP/S) is similar or only slightly diminished compared to glycerol as the only substrate.

Summary of the Experiments

-   -   microorganisms that have decreased pfl activity show improved         fermentation on glycerol over the state of art     -   combinations of different carbon sources are efficiently         converted into succinic acid     -   microorganisms that have decreased pfl activity show improved         fermentation on a mixture of glycerol and a saccharide over the         state of art

Conclusion: The new process for the production of succinic acid (SA) has an excellent potential for the production of SA and/or SA salts, with carbon high yield (YP/S) and space time yield as well as very low side products.

In the context of the present invention a bacterial strain DD1 (ID 06-614) was deposited with DSMZ (Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH, Inhoffenstr. 7B, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany) on Aug. 11, 2006 having the deposit number DSM 18541. In this context reference is made to the priority European patent application No. EP 09152959.4 and EP 09171250.5, wherein the deposit was mentioned the first time within the context of the present invention. Furthermore, reference is made to WO 2009/024294, wherein the DD1 strain is described the first time including the deposition at DSMZ (Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH, Inhoffenstr. 7B, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany) on Aug. 11, 2006.

The content of the documents cited herein is incorporated by reference.

EXAMPLES Downstream Processing Example 7 Method for Isolation of Succinic Acid from Fermentation Broths by Cation Ion Exchange Resin

A fermentation broth neutralized by NH₄OH (25 weight.-%, calculated on the total weight of the NH₄OH-solution) during the fermentation process was filtrated. The aqueous, cell free fermentation broth containing 15% (w/w) succinic acid (neutralized as salt) was used for the downstream process.

A cation exchange resin (type Lewatit Monoplus SP 112 from Lanxess; 471 ml) was filled in a temperature controlled (50° C.) glass column (bed elevation: 24 cm) as stationary phase and washed with water. After this washing step the resin was overflowed in a top down way with the aqueous succinic acid solution (156 ml, containing 25 g succinic acid, density: 1.069 kg/l). The flow velocity of the solution averaged 33 ml/min corresponding to a velocity of 4.2 bed volumes (BV) per hour.

Thus a clear and uncolored solution containing approximately 24.9 g free succinic acid was obtained in the first fraction (453 ml). The succinic acid concentration of this fraction averaged 5.38 weight.-%.

Beside the index of refraction the pH value and the adsorption (350 nm) of the solution coming out of the column were measured.

The resulting binding capacity of the used strong acid cationic exchanger resin averaged approximately 0.89 equivalents (eq) per liter resin.

After the binding process the resin was washed with water (546 ml) and finally regenerated in the cationic form with 5% hydrochloric acid (919 ml; velocity: 66 ml/min) which overflowed the resin bottom up. As a last step the resin was washed again with water (889 ml).

In addition to the fact, that the resin released the succinic acid, the resin decolorized the broth and a very pure and colorless succinic acid solution was obtained.

Example 6 Method for Measuring a Break Through Curve with a Strong Acid Ion Exchange Resin

Aqueous, cell free fermentation broth containing an amount of 15% (w/w) succinic acid (neutralized as salt) was used for the downstream process after filtration.

A strong acid ion exchange resin (type Lewatit MonoPlus SP 112 from Lanxess; 689 ml) was filled in a temperature controlled (50° C.) glass column (bed elevation: 97.5 cm) and washed with water. After this washing step the resin was overflowed in a top down way with the aqueous succinic acid solution (468 ml, containing 75 g succinic acid; density: 1.069 kg/l). The flow velocity of the solution averaged 24 ml/min corresponding to a velocity of 2.1 bed volumes (BV) per hour.

As in example 7, a clear solution (457 ml) containing approximately 53.8 g free succinic acid was obtained in the first fraction. The succinic acid concentration of this fraction averaged 11.53 weight-%.

Unlike the assay in example 7, in this case the sampling of the first fraction was stopped at the moment the cations broke trough. This moment was detected with the measured pH value which increased suddenly (from an approximately value of 1.4) due to breaking through succinic acid salt.

The sampled fraction after this clear solution contained succinic acid salt and has a brown color similar to the original fermentation broth.

In this assay the resulting binding capacity of the used strong acid cationic exchanger resin averaged approximately 1.32 equivalents (eq) per liter resin.

After the binding process the resin was washed with water (678 ml) and regenerated in the cationic form with 5% hydrochloric acid (2034 ml; velocity: 92 ml/min). Finally the resin was washed again with water (824 ml).

In addition to the fact, that the resin released the succinic acid, the resin decolorized the broth and a very pure and colorless succinic acid solution was obtained.

Example 9 Method for Purifying Succinic Acid from Fermentation Broths Followed by Concentration and Crystallization of the Resulting Desalted Solution

Two samples were used for the crystallization step and gained in the same way as described in example 7.

In each case aqueous, cell free fermentation broth containing an amount of 15% (w/w) succinic acid (neutralized as salt) was used for the downstream process. The two samples which were purified and desalted by using a cationic exchange resin (type Lewatit MonoPlus SP 112 from Lanxess) were used for the crystallization step.

The following tables show the volume of fermentation broth, resin and chemicals plus the obtained quantities and capacities in these trials.

Fermenta- Succinic acid Trial tion Dosing concentration number broth resin velocity fraction 1 in fraction 1 34649-069 249 ml 471 ml 33 ml/min 462 ml 8.43% 34649-098 249 ml 471 ml 53 ml/min 517 ml 7.57% Succinic Washing HCl (5%) for Washing Resulting Trial acid in water after resin water after binding number fraction 1 binding regeneration regeneration capacity 34649- 39.7 g 481 ml 919 ml 928 ml 1.43 eq/l 069 34649- 39.9 g 526 ml 919 ml 730 ml 1.44 eq/l 098

Thus two clear and uncolored solutions were obtained as first fractions and combined to gain one succinic solution (with approximately 76 g free succinic acid; difference due to the sampling).

This solution was concentrated by distilling off water to gain 380.2 g solution with a succinic acid concentration of 20 weight-%. After the concentration step, the solution was stirred and cooled down. Once the solution had a temperature of 50° C. it was seeded. Shortly after, the crystallization began and succinic acid crystals precipitated.

The succinic acid suspension was stirred over night at ambient temperature and cooled down in an ice/water bath for 1 hour.

The crystals were filtered off in the cold and the cake was washed two times with 20 ml ice water each. After the washing step the crystals were dried in a nitrogen gas flow. Thus 65.2 g colorless succinic acid crystals with a purity of 99.8% were obtained.

Subsequently, the succinic acid crystals were dried in a fluid be dryer.

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The invention claimed is:
 1. A process for the fermentative production of an organic acid or a salt or derivative thereof, which process comprises incubating a bacterial strain, derived from the family Pasteurellaceae that comprises the 16S rDNA sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or a sequence that is at least 96% to SEQ ID NO: 1 and wherein said strain is capable of utilizing glycerol as a carbon source for the fermentative production of succinic acid, wherein said strain is genetically modified so that it comprises a deregulation of its endogenous pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity, and wherein said pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity is decreased or “switched-off”, in a medium comprising an assimilable carbon source and cultivating said strain under conditions favouring the formation of the desired organic acid; and b) obtaining said organic acid or salt or derivative thereof from the medium.
 2. The process of claim 1, wherein fermentation is performed at a temperature in the range of about 10 to 60° C. at a pH of 5.0 to 9.0 in the presence of carbon dioxide.
 3. The process of claim 1, wherein said organic acid is succinic acid.
 4. The process of claim 1, wherein the assimilable carbon source is selected from glycerol, sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, D-fructose, D-galactose, D-mannose, lactose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, raffinose decomposition products of starch, cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignocellulose; or mixtures thereof.
 5. The process of claim 4, wherein the carbon source is glycerol or a mixture of glycerol and at least one further carbon source selected from sucrose, maltose, D-fructose, D-galactose, lactose, D-mannose, D-glucose, D-xylose, raffinose, and L-arabinose.
 6. The process of claim 1, wherein the concentration of the assimilable carbon source is adjusted to a value in a range of 5 to 80 g/L.
 7. A process for the fermentative production of succinic acid or a salt or derivative thereof, which process comprises: a. incubating a bacterial strain in a medium comprising at least one assimilable carbon source and cultivating said strain under conditions favoring the formation of succinic acid; and b. obtaining said succinic acid or salt or derivative thereof from the medium; wherein the process is additionally characterized by at least one of the following features: i. conversion of at least 25 g/L of glycerol to at least 25.1 g/L succinic acid, with a yield coefficient YP/S of at least 1.0 g/g; ii. conversion of at least one carbon source selected from sucrose, maltose, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, D-galactose, D-mannose, raffinose, and/or glycerol to succinic acid with a specific productivity yield of at least 0.58 g gDCW-1 h-1 succinic acid; iii. conversion of at least one carbon source selected from sucrose, maltose, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, D-galactose, lactose, D-mannose, raffinose, and/or glycerol to succinic acid with a space time yield for succinic acid of at least 2.2 g/(L h) succinic acid; iv. conversion of at least 25 g/L of at least one carbon source selected from sucrose, maltose, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, D-galactose, lactose, D-mannose, raffinose, and/or glycerol to succinic acid with a space-time-yield for succinic acid of at least 2.2 g/(L h); v. conversion of at least one carbon source selected from sucrose, maltose, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, D-galactose, lactose, D-mannose, raffinose, and/or glycerol to succinic acid with a specific productivity yield of at least 0.6 g gDCW-1 h-1 succinic acid and a space-time-yield for succinic acid of at least 2.2 g/(L h); vi. production of succinic acid (SA) and side products (SSP) in an SA/SSP proportion of >10:1, or >12.5:1, or >15:1, or >17.5.1, or >20:1, or >25:1, or >30:1, or >33:1, wherein SSP represents the sum of side products lactic acid (LA), formic acid (FA), acetic acid (AA), and malic acid (MA), each amount being expressed in g/L; or vii. production of succinic acid (SA) and the side product acetic acid (AA) in an SA/AA proportion of >10:1, or >12.5:1, or >15:1, or >17.5:1, or >20:1, or >25:1, or >30:1 or >50:1, or >75:1, or >90:1, each amount being expressed in g/L.
 8. The process of claim 7, wherein said bacterial strain is capable of utilizing glycerol as a carbon source for the fermentative production of succinic acid, and wherein said strain is genetically modified so that it comprises a deregulation of its endogenous pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity, and wherein said pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity is decreased or switched-off, and wherein said strain is derived from a microorganism of the family of Pasteurellaceae and comprises the 16S rDNA sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a sequence having at least 96% sequence homology to SEQ ID NO:
 1. 9. The process of claim 1, performed discontinuously or continuously.
 10. A process for the production of succinic acid and/or succinic acid ammonium salts comprising a) incubating a bacterial strain, capable of utilizing glycerol as a carbon source for the fermentative production of succinic acid, wherein said strain is genetically modified so that it comprises a deregulation of its endogenous pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity, and wherein said pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity is decreased or switched-off, in a medium comprising an assimilable carbon source and cultivating said strain under conditions favouring the formation of succinic acid and/or succinic acid ammonium salts; and b) obtaining said succinic acid and/or succinic acid ammonium salts from the medium, wherein fermentation is performed at a temperature in the range of about 10 to 60° C. at a pH of 5.0 to 9.0 in the presence of carbon dioxide, and wherein the pH is controlled with ammonia or an aqueous solution thereof, or NH4HCO3, (NH4)2CO3, NaOH, Na2CO3, NaHCO3, KOH, K2CO3, KHCO3, Mg(OH)2, MgCO3, MgH(CO3)2, Ca(OH)2, CaCO3, Ca(HCO3)2, CaO, CH6N2O2, C2H7N, or a mixture thereof.
 11. The process of claim 1, wherein the organic acid and/or salt thereof are further isolated and/or purified by filtration, crystallization, electrodialysis, and/or cation exchange chromatography.
 12. The process of claim 1, wherein the organic acid and/or salt thereof is further isolated and/or purified by the following steps: a) filtration, followed by b) cation exchange chromatography, followed by c) crystallization.
 13. The process of claim 11, wherein the cation exchange chromatography is performed with a cation exchange resin in the H+-form carrying sulfonic acid groups having a total capacity of 0.5 to 2.0 equivalents/L cation exchange resin.
 14. The process of claim 11, wherein the cation exchange chromatography is performed at a temperature of from 45 to 60° C.
 15. A process for the production of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and/or 1,4-butanediol (BDO) and/or gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), which comprises a) incubating a bacterial strain, capable of utilizing glycerol as a carbon source for the fermentative production of succinic acid, wherein said strain is genetically modified so that it comprises a deregulation of its endogenous pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity, and wherein said pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity is decreased or switched-off, in a medium comprising an assimilable carbon source and cultivating said strain under conditions favouring the formation of succinic acid and/or succinic acid ammonium salts; b) obtaining said succinic acid and/or succinic acid ammonium salts from the medium; and either c1) the direct catalytic hydrogenation of the obtained free succinic acid to THF and/or BDO and/or GBL, or c2) the chemical esterification of the obtained free succinic acid and/or succinic acid salt to its corresponding di-loweralkyl ester and subsequent catalytic hydrogenation of said ester to THF and/or BDO and/or GBL; wherein the pH is controlled with ammonia or an aqueous solution thereof, or NH4HCO3, (NH4)2CO3, NaOH, Na2CO3, NaHCO3, KOH, K2CO3, KHCO3, Mg(OH)2, MgCO3, MgH(CO3)2, Ca(OH)2, CaCO3, Ca(HCO3)2, CaO, CH6N2O2, C2H7N, or a mixture thereof.
 16. A process for the production of pyrrolidones which comprises a) incubating a bacterial strain, capable of utilizing glycerol as a carbon source for the fermentative production of succinic acid, wherein said strain is genetically modified so that it comprises a deregulation of its endogenous pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity, and wherein said pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity is decreased or switched-off, in a medium comprising an assimilable carbon source and cultivating said strain under conditions favouring the formation of succinic acid and/or succinic acid ammonium salts: b) obtaining said succinic acid and/or succinic acid ammonium salts from the medium; and c) chemically converting the succinic acid ammonium salts to pyrrolidones, wherein the pH is controlled with ammonia or an aqueous solution thereof, or NH4HCO3, (NH4)2CO3, NaOH, Na2CO3, NaHCO3, KOH, K2CO3, KHCO3, Mg(OH)2, MgCO3, MgH(CO3)2, Ca(OH)2, CaCO3, Ca(HCO3)2, CaO, CH6N2O2, C2H7N, or a mixture thereof.
 17. The process of claim 4, wherein said glycerol, which is used as the assimilable carbon source, is obtained by ester cleavage of triacylglycerides.
 18. The process of claim 17, wherein glycerol is a waste product obtained from the manufacture of bio diesel.
 19. A process for the fermentative production of an organic fine chemical, which process comprises: a) incubating a bacterial strain, capable of utilizing glycerol as the only carbon source for the fermentative production of succinic acid, wherein said strain is genetically modified so that it comprises a deregulation of its endogenous pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity, and wherein said pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity is decreased or switched-off, in a medium comprising an assimilable carbon source and cultivating said strain under conditions favouring the formation of the organic fine chemical; and b) obtaining said organic fine chemical from the medium; wherein the assimilable carbon source comprises glycerol and wherein the organic fine chemical comprises succinic acid or a salt thereof.
 20. The process of claim 1, wherein said strain is derived from a microorganism of the family of Pasteurellaceae and comprises 1) the 16S rDNA sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; 2) a sequence having at least 96% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1; 3) the 23S rDNA sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; or 4) a sequence having at least 95% sequence homology to SEQ ID NO:
 2. 